4th Infantry Division

Centino assumed command of the 4th Infantry Division based in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro on May 28, 2020, and subsequently served as commander of Joint Task Force Diamond.^[8][9]

Infantry operations against the New People's Army intensified within Centino's area of command even amidst the effects COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. He implemented the whole-of-nation approach in ending communist armed conflicts in the Philippines outlined in President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order No. 70, s. 2018.^[10] During his tenure, the 4th Infantry Division was lauded as a unit for its offensive operations against the New People's Army.^[7]

Commanding General of the Philippine Army

Centino was appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army on May 18, 2021.^[11] In his initial message to the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio, Centino laid out his priorities on the continued modernization of the army, meritocracy based promotion among its officers, and the recruitment of qualified aspirants to the uniformed service.^[12]

The appointment came after the removal of then-acting Commanding General, Jose Faustino after having served for only 87 days. Faustino's appointment drew criticisms from Senator Panfilo Lacson during a Commission on Appointments confirmation hearing due the his ineligibility to the position even in an acting capacity based on Section 4 of Republic Act No. 8186.^[13]

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

On November 12, 2021, Centino was appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by President Rodrigo Duterte.^[14] Centino's appointment was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments with the concurrent rank of general on January 26, 2022. ^[15]

The 2022 Philippine presidential election coincided with Centino's tenure, and he directed the Armed Forces to ensure proper observance electoral procedure throughout the country and provide additional security during the campaign period and election day. The Armed Forces also worked to ensure a peaceful transition of power from the Duterte administration to the Marcos Jr. administration.^[16]

Centino continued to serve under President Bongbong Marcos until August 8, 2022. Lieutenant General Bartolome Bacarro was appointed to the position to succeed him.^[17]

Due to Centino's first appointment having taken effect prior to Republic Act No. 11709, his relinquishment of the Chief of Staff office did not retire him from military service. In line with previous legal precedent, his mandatory age of retirement was at 56 and he would continue to hold the rank of general until then. Consequently, because there can only be one 4-star general in active military duty at any given moment by law, Bacarro was prevented from promotion to 4-star general albeit occupying the concurrent Chief of Staff office.^[18]

National awards

• August 8, 2022: Philippine Legion of Honor, Rank of Chief Commander^[22]
• July 21, 2023: Philippine Legion of Honor, Rank of Chief Commander^[23]

Military decorations

• Distinguished Service Star with four bronze anahaw leaves
• Gawad sa Kapayapaan Medal
• Gold Cross Medal
• Silver Cross Medal
• Meritorious Achievement Medal
• Chief of Staff, AFP Commendation Medal
• Bronze Cross Medal
• Silver Wing Medal
• Military Merit Medal with four silver and one bronze anahaw leaves
• Sagisag ng Ulirang Kawal Medal
• Military Civic Action Medal
• Parangal sa Kapanalig ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas Medal with two bronze anahaw leaves
• Military Commendation Medal with one bronze equilateral triangle