Malacañang announced on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, that Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner will be the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He will be taking over the position from General Andres Centino, who was re-appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier this year. The appointment of Lt. Gen. Brawner was made in recognition of his extensive experience and outstanding service in the military.
Currently serving as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Brawner assumed the position on December 10, 2021. He graduated second in the Philippine Military Academy "Makatao" Class of 1989 and has dedicated 34 years of his career to serving the military in various capacities.
Throughout his military career, Lt. Gen. Brawner has held several notable positions, including Company Commander of the 6th Special Forces Company, Battalion Commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, and Chief of Staff of the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division. He has also served as Chief of Public Affairs of the Philippine Army and Spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
One of Lt. Gen. Brawner's significant assignments was his role as the Brigade Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade during the aftermath of the Marawi Siege in 2017. He played a crucial part in managing the situation and restoring peace in the affected areas. Lt. Gen. Brawner also made substantial contributions to the Philippine Military Academy as the Commandant of the Cadets. He played a pivotal role in eradicating hazing and maltreatment within the Cadet Corps. Furthermore, he served as the first Deputy Chief of Staff for Financial Management, J10, Armed Forces of the Philippines, emphasizing his diverse expertise.
Recognized for his exceptional military accomplishments, Lt. Gen. Brawner received various awards and recognitions. Notably, he was honored with The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) award in 2013 by the Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati. He was also presented with the Lapu-Lapu Award by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his valuable contributions in neutralizing Abu Dar, the last of the original leaders of the Maute-ISIS faction.
Additionally, in March of this year, Lt. Gen. Brawner was inducted into the US Army War College (USAWC) International Fellows Hall of Fame, recognizing his service at the highest command position in the Philippine Army. During the same visit, he was bestowed with the Legion of Merit - Degree of Commander in acknowledgement of his exceptionally meritorious service as the Commanding General, Philippine Army. This distinction underscores his dedication to ensuring that the Philippine Army remains trained, ready, and prepared for all missions