PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), as the new chief of the 110,000-strong Philippine Army.
Nafarrete, who will be the military’s 67th Army chief, succeeded Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, who bowed out of the service after serving as Army chief for nearly two years.
The president, who is the AFP’s commander-in-chief, led the change of command and retirement ceremony from Galido to Nafarrete at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Thursday morning.
“You will be assuming your role at a time when geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty are high. This will demand your vigilance and leadership to deliver clear direction and to show a firm commitment. But I have full confidence that under your command, the Philippine Army will remain steadfast as a pillar of strength and integrity, and professionalism,” Marcos told Nafarrete during the turn-over rites.
He also reiterated the administration’s full support in strengthening the armed forces.
“We owe you nothing less than our full support. Nawa’y magsilbi itong inspirasyon upang mas magampanan ng Philippine Army ang kanyang tungkulin — ang magsilbi sa bayan ng may tibay ng loob, may paninindigan, at katapatan (We owe you nothing less than our full support. May this serve as an inspiration for the Philippine Army to better fulfill its duty — to serve the nation with courage, determination, and loyalty,” he said, as he thanked members of the Philippine Army for their dedication and commitment to protect and defend the country.
Nafarrete is a classmate of Galido at the Philippine Military Academy Class 1990.
Before assuming as commander of the Zamboanga City-based Westmincom in November last year, Nafarrete was the commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
He also previously commanded the 1st Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Zampelan of WESMINCOM, and held various leadership positions in the 1101st Infantry Brigade, 11th Infantry Division and the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.
In his inaugural speech, Nafarrete vowed to enhance the well-being of Army soldiers.
“Our true strength does not lie in the weapons we wield, the equipment we acquire nor the technologies we adopt. The heart of our organization is not forged in steel, but flesh and blood — the soldier who serves, sacrifices, and stands steadfast in every mission,” he said.
He said the Army, under his command, will be focused on “human capital development,” which he said will revolve around five pillars.
“Every soldier matters,” he said referring to the first pillar, which is personnel. He said the Army will foster an environment where everyone “feels valued, respected and empowered.”
He added that the Army will ensure that the soldiers’ “career paths are clear, skills are recognized and opportunities for growth are accessible to all.”
On the second pillar, Nafarrete said the morale of soldiers will be enhanced, noting that a “high morale Army is a resilient Army.”
He said the Army will encourage cohesion and esprit de corps, and that victories, big or small, will be celebrated.
“Commanders and leaders at all levels will be held responsible not just for performance, but for how they uplift and care for their troops. We will recognize service, reward excellence and build a culture of respect and pride,” Nafarrete said.
The third pillar, he said, is on health, saying that the physical and mental well-being of soldiers will be given priority through regular medical checkups, access to health services and mental health support.
On education, Nafarrete said soldiers’ knowledge will be empowered to prepare them for present and future threats, adding that “modern warfare is fought not only on the battlefields but in the mind.”
“From traditional tactics to cyber defense, education will be key to preparing for both present and future threats,” he said, adding that he will “support formal education, technical training, digital literacy and military schooling because a well-informed soldier is a powerful asset.”
Lastly, he said the Army will embark on financial literacy programs for dependents of the soldiers and “ensure timely access to pay, benefits, and savings schemes.”
“Economic stress at home affects performance in the battlefield… A soldier who is financially secure is more focused, more determined and more loyal to the cause,” he added.
Nafarrete said addressing modern challenges does not only necessitate the procurement of new systems or advance weaponry but “the most important defense we can build is the resilience, intelligence, and strength of our personnel.”
“To each and every soldier, remember this: You are not just part of the force. You are the force. You are not just defending the nation. You are the nation,” he said.
“Together, we will stand strong. Together, we will adapt and overcome. Together, we will fulfill our mission — because we are not just ready for battle, we are ready for the future,” he added.
GALIDO
During the ceremony, Marcos conferred the Presidential Legion of Honor (PLOH) Award on Galido in recognition of his exceptional service and dedication during his tenure.
Galido also received various plaques and awards recognizing his invaluable contributions to the Philippine Army since his assumption in August 2023.
“Beyond the titles and respect that he has earned over the years, Lt. Gen. Galido has defined his leadership through dedication and discipline,” Marcos said as he recognized the great strides that the Army accomplished “on and off the battlefield” under Galido.
He said that under Galido, the Army pursued peace through civil-military operations that led to the surrender of armed fighters; made the institution grow stronger through better equipment and more training for the troops that enabled them to move faster, respond better, and serve more effectively; and strengthened bonds with allies to “improve how we share intelligence, how we conduct joint operations.”
He also acknowledged the Army and its Reserve Force’s role during times of disasters and in bringing relief and hope to affected communities.
‘SEASONED LEADER’
The Philippine Army welcomed the appointment of Nafarrete as its commanding general.
“A seasoned leader with decades of service, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete brings integrity, experience, and a strong commitment to the Army’s mission of peace and national development,” said Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala.
“We extend our full support as he assumes command,” added Dema-ala.
Dema-ala said the Army, under Nafarrete’s leadership, “will continue to enhance operational readiness, pursue modernization, and uphold its core values of honor, patriotism, and duty in service to the Filipino people.”
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, of the PMA class 1989, a squadmate of Nafarrete when they were still PMA cadets, said: “I know him as a very humble person, humble but hard-working.”
Brawner said the military will still deliberate on who will succeed Nafarette as Westmincom commander.
Department of National Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong said Nafarrete “brings with him a wealth of experience and leadership.”
“The Department expresses its full confidence in his ability to lead the Philippine Army with honor, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to duty,” said Andolong.
