Antonio Nafarrete appointed AFP chief of staff

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday, July 21.

Nafarrete replaced Romeo Brawner Jr., who is set to officially retire today after completing a three-year term under Republic Act No. 11939, or the "Act Further Strengthening Professionalism and Promoting the Continuity of Policies and Modernization Initiatives in the Armed Forces of the Philippines."

The announcement was made by DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong in an official statement.

Nafarrete is currently the commanding general of the Philippine Army. Upon his appointment, he will be replaced by Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran, the current commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

The announcement came ahead of the AFP change of command and retirement ceremony, where Brawner will formally vacate the post.

Nafarrete is the 61st chief of staff of the AFP.