President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. shakes hands with new Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner. (Presidential Communications Office)
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday enjoined newly designated Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner to recalibrate the country’s internal security operations.
Brawner is known for leading the 103rd Infantry Brigade during the aftermath of the Marawi Siege in 2017 and as the commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
“Given your extensive experience in safeguarding peace in conflict-affected areas. I urge you to recalibrate our internal security operations so that we can deliver public services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities,” said Marcos during the change in command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Marcos said that he expects a safer Philippines under Brawner’s watch.
AFP modernization
The President also promised to continue modernizing the AFP.
“As your commander in chief, I assure you that this administration is firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit by modernizing the AFP. Along with our efforts to strengthen our external defense capabilities, I ask you to continue working with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form archipelagic consciousness amongst Filipinos,” said Marcos.
“This will help champion our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he added.
Brawner replaced Gen. Andres Centino, who will now serve as the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea.