Nafarrete named new AFP chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) yesterday announced the appointment of Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), replacing Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who retired after completing his fixed three-year term.

During the AFP change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Nafarrete vowed to prioritize strengthening the country’s territorial defense capabilities while continuing military modernization and expanding defense partnerships.

“Today, the Armed Forces of the Philippines stand at a pivotal point in its transformation. Under my lead, the AFP’s foremost imperative is to strengthen territorial defense and further operationalize the comprehensive archipelagic concept,” Nafarrete said.

Prior to his appointment by President Marcos, Nafarrete served as the commanding general of the Philippine Army. He will be succeeded by Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, the former commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“The defense of the Philippine territory, sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interests shall remain our primary responsibility. We seek peace, we support dialogue, we respect international law, but our desire for peace must always be supported by credible capability, sustained readiness and the resolve to defend what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people,” he stressed.

Under his leadership, Nafarrete vowed to deepen engagements with strategic partners and like-minded nations in support of the country’s defense priorities.

He also pledged to preserve the gains of internal security operations and continue supporting the implementation of existing peace agreements and the normalization of former conflict-affected communities.

“The sacrifices of our personnel, the cooperation of our communities and the collective efforts of the government have already significantly weakened armed groups and created opportunities for peace and development in many conflict-affected areas. We shall not allow these hard gains to be reversed,” he said.

Vowing to accelerate the AFP modernization program, the new chief said: “Modernization is a development of an integrated capability. Hence, every platform must have trained personnel. Every system must have clear doctrine. Every capability must be supported by effective organization, resilient facilities, reliable logistics, proper maintenance and long-term sustainment. And above all, every capability depends upon the confidence, character and commitment of our people.”

The public is assured that the military would remain professional and non-partisan under the leadership of the new AFP chief.

“We shall respect civilian authority. We shall uphold human rights and international humanitarian law. We shall remain accountable to the Filipino people we are sworn to protect and we shall continue to serve with honor, service and patriotism,” he said. “Together, we shall build a modern, credible, joint, and capable armed forces. And together, we shall prepare not only for the challenges of today, but also for the demands of the future.”

DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong congratulated Nafarrete and Gumiran on their appointments, saying the department looks forward to their leadership “in upholding professionalism, excellence and dedicated service to the Filipino people.”

A native of Iloilo and a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990, Nafarrete is a Scout Ranger who previously served as the 67th commanding general of the Philippine Army.

Throughout his military career, he held key operational and leadership posts, including commander of the 1st and 6th Infantry Divisions and the Western Mindanao Command.

He also served as chairman of the Government of the Philippines-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, a peace mechanism that prevents and resolves conflicts between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Nafarrete has received numerous military decorations, including Gold Cross Medals for gallantry in combat, Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medals, Military Merit and Commendation Medals, the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer) and Distinguished Service Stars.

Marcos: Defend every inch of our land

Following his appointment, President Marcos ordered yesterday Nafarrete to safeguard the people and “defend every inch of our land” amid China’s latest aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

“The command entrusted to you is great, but the purpose is even greater: to safeguard our people, defend every inch of our land and waters and secure the future of our Republic,” Marcos said during the AFP’s change of command ceremony.

“We adhere to international law. We are a respectful nation that conducts itself with dignity, restraint and professionalism. We seek cooperation, but we will never compromise our sovereignty. We extend friendship to all, but we will never abandon our national dignity. That has always been the Filipino way. And that will always be our course. The command changes hands, but the mission remains. And the duty to defend our flag never ends,” the commander-in-chief added.

His remarks came a day after a Philippine Navy personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was struck and injured in the head by a China Coast Guard crew on Monday morning. — Helen Flores