Andres Centino

Centino assumed command of the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro in May 2020,[10] and subsequently serves as commander of Joint Task Force Diamond.[11]

Infantry operations against the New People's Army intensified within his area of command even amidst the effects COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Centino also led the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, aimed at institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace and ending the local communist armed conflict in the Philippines.[12]

During his tenure, the 4th Infantry Division was awarded as the "Fightingest Division" for their continuous offensive operations against the New People's Army, and was awarded the "Best Army Unit" in 2020.[13]

Centino was appointed the 64th Commanding General of the Philippine Army in May 2021.[14]

His appointment came after the removal of then-acting Commanding General, Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr. after only serving for 87 days. Faustino's appointment drew criticisms from the Commission on Appointments due the general's ineligibility to the position even in an acting capacity under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 8186. During a senate confirmation hearing, Senator Panfilo Lacson read verbatim "no officer shall be assigned or designated to certain key positions including the Commanding General of the Philippine Army if he has less than one year of active service remaining prior to compulsory retirement at the age of 56."[15]

Under his leadership, Centino vowed to continue the army's modernization, make efforts towards combating terrorism through peace program, and strengthen the army's response towards all threats. As Commanding General, he initiated reforms in strengthening meritocracy in the army and credential-based promotion, while promoting the recruitment of qualified applicants within the service and continuing the army's modernization program.[14]

Centino was appointed the 57th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by then President Rodrigo Duterte in November 2021, replacing General Jose Faustino Jr.[1][16] His tenure included the 2022 Philippine presidential election wherein the Armed Forces of the Philippines worked to ensure a peaceful and secure transition of power from the Duterte Administration to the Marcos Administration. He continued to serve as the chief of staff under President Bongbong Marcos until August 8, 2022, when he was succeeded by Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.[17] On 19 July 2023, he was replaced by Romeo Brawner Jr. as the AFP Chief of Staff.