Bacarro installed as new AFP chief

President Marcos yesterday installed Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro as the 58th armed forces chief, calling him a “reliable partner” in the “difficult undertaking of rebirth and restoration of the republic.”

Speaking during the military’s change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Marcos said Bacarro’s type of leadership would enable the military to vastly improve and face the challenges in a changing world.

“I am sure that we will all now know that we have a reliable partner in the AFP under the helm of General Bacarro as we commence the difficult undertaking of rebirth and restoration of the Republic, transforming the country into a haven that is safe, secure, peaceful and prosperous for all present and future Filipinos to enjoy,” Marcos said.

“This has been long overdue. It is time to get to work and be the best that we can be in our respective capacities as public servants united in purpose and in deed,” he added.

Marcos said he is confident of Bacarro’s capability to lead as the military “marches forward and undertakes a new journey” toward a “much improved and stronger” institution.

“As we look and think about a world that is constantly changing, a world wrought with conditions and situations that are hard to predict, a world full of elements and forces that can wreak havoc on its domain, the kind of leadership that you (Bacarro) possess, the strong presence, the administrative and operational proficiency, unmatched discipline, and unwavering commitment will come in useful for the work that you are facing ahead of you,” the President said.

“I know that you know well that the journey will not be an easy one. It will be sometimes treacherous, always complex. It will be difficult and at times seemingly unbearable. But with the AFP beside us, assisting and putting in place the fundamental prerequisites for nation-building, we shall overcome and emerge victorious in the end,” he added.

“Together, a meaningful change in the lives of many can be realized. I know it can be done and that is why we shall,” the Chief Executive stressed.

‘Tenacity in sustaining gains’

In a speech after his installation, Bacarro said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), under his leadership, would have the “tenacity in sustaining our gains,” citing the “great strides” achieved by the institution “in addressing the various external and internal threats to our people and our country.”

“We must not squander these gains,” he declared. “Moreover we will be unyielding in ending the insurgency that has plagued our people and fuel poverty in the various sectors of our society,” he said.

Bacarro acknowledged that over the past years, civilian authorities and the military have seen the value of collaboration in addressing the country’s ills.

He said the AFP would continue to strengthen its partnerships with peace stakeholders which been effective in ending local communism or even in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Finally, we will put, we will pursue, targets against that has disrupted the normal and peaceful lives of our fellow Filipinos in affected areas,” Bacarro stressed.

He thanked President Marcos for giving him the opportunity to lead the AFP.

“Sir, I will not take this responsibility lightly,” he said, addressing the President.

He promised to push for “unparalleled professionalism among soldiers, the noble utilization of the military’s resources, invigorating capability development, and yearning for service excellence.”

He stressed his success would hinge on the readiness of every AFP personnel to do their part.

“As I said earlier, I consider the responsibilities I took as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a shared responsibility for all of us,” he maintained.

“I will be the first one to say I cannot do this alone. Each member of the organization has a vital role to play in achieving the vision and mission of the armed forces to be a worldclass armed forces that is a source of national pride by 2028,” he said.

Predecessor praised

Meanwhile, Marcos also lauded Bacarro’s predecessor Andres Centino for his “excellent” service, calling him “a source of national pride.” Centino hung up his uniform yesterday after more than three decades in the military service.

“It is the perfect time to convey my utmost gratitude to General Centino for his exemplary service that he rendered as he faithfully executed the mandate of his office during the entirety of his tenure,” Marcos said.

“General Centino’s unwavering commitment to excellence and duty was duly recognized through the various awards and decorations that he has received through his professional career,” he added.

Marcos said Centino stood for meritocracy, professionalism and accountability and effectively managed the AFP “by giving special credence and substance to competence, fair play and justice in dealing with the ranks.”

“Qualified personnel were selected for promotion. The placement of senior officers to key positions was deliberated upon. The AFP rotation policy was judiciously implemented,” Marcos said.

“These were the guiding policies used to ensure good governance. And in so doing, effectively strengthened the AFP as a public institution that can last the test of time. He is a true patriot, a valiant soldier, an accomplished officer, a committed leader, an exemplary public servant. To General Centino, much respect and admiration for all that you have done,” he added.

The event was Marcos’ first change of command ceremony as the armed forces’ commander-in-chief.