Duterte appoints LTG Faustino as next AFP chief
President Duterte has appointed Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. as the next chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Malacañang announced Friday, July 30.
"We confirm that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved and signed the designation of LGEN Jose C. Faustino, Jr. as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) effective July 31, 2021," Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.
Faustino will replace Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who is retiring from service today, July 31.
According to Roque, the incoming military chief is expected to help ensure national security as well as pursue the AFP modernization program.
"We are confident that Gen. Faustino will continue the peace and development efforts of his predecessors while aggressively building up our defense capability. We pray for Gen. Faustino's success as he embarks in his new role as AFP Chief," he added.
Faustino is the current head of the JTF for Peace and Security in Mindanao, a task force created last month to "unify the efforts" of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) and the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM).
He will serve for a brief four months before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 years old for military personnel in November.
"The AFP welcomes the decision of the President to appoint Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino as the next Chief of Staff of the AFP, replacing General Cirilito Sobejana who will retire on Saturday, July 31," Capt. Jonathan Zata, AFP public affairs chief said.
A product of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Maringal" Class of 1988, Faustino has a "[wealthy] experience" as a commander and staff officer which will be crucial in sustaining the gains of the military, particularly in its focus on intensified anti-insurgency campaign, according to Zata.
Faustino had also served as the commander of the Davao City-based EASTMINCOM, 10th Infantry Division in Eastern Mindanao covering parts of Davao (Region 11) and SOCCSKSARGEN (Region 12), and head of 11th Intelligence Service Unit also in Davao. (With a report from Martin A. Sadongdong)