President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that he has chosen the right official to lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as his choice, Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, formally took over the helm of the military force Monday, Aug. 8.
Marcos was all praises for Bacarro during the change of command ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, dedicating a huge portion of his speech to enumerating the achievements of the new AFP chief of staff.
"It is certain that we have chosen the right leader in General Bacarro to lead the AFP as it marches forward and undertakes a new journey that will eventually pave the way for a much improved and stronger AFP in the days ahead," the President stated.
The Chief Executive said with the designation of Bacarro, his administration now have a "reliable partner" in the restoration of the Republic and transforming the country into "a haven that is safe, secure, peaceful, and prosperous for all present and future Filipinos to enjoy."
"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," Marcos said.
He likewise believes that Bacarro's "strong presence, the administrative and operational proficiency, unmatched discipline, and unwavering commitment will come in useful for" the work ahead of him, including inevitable future challenges the AFP and the country would face.
"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," Marcos said.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who also attended the ceremony, also conveyed her support to the AFP, saying her office will work with the AFP in maintaining peace and order in the country.
"Patuloy po tayong makipagtulungan upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaayusan ng ating bansa. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas (We will countinue to work with the AFP to maintain peace and order in the country. Let's love the Philippines)!" Duterte said in a Facebook post.
Bacarro replaces General Andres Centino as the AFP chief of staff.
Bacarro was the commander of the AFP-Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) before becoming the 58th chief of staff of the AFP. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Maringal’ Class of 1988.