PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Thursday urged his newly appointed Philippine Army chief to show strong leadership and vigilance as the country faces growing global uncertainty and security threats.
At a change of command ceremony held at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, the President cited the importance of firm and focused leadership 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,” Mr. Marcos told Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete, according to a transcript from the Presidential Communications Office.
“I have full confidence that under your command, the Philippine Army will remain steadfast [as] a pillar of strength, integrity [and] professionalism,” he added.
Mr. Nafarrete’s appointment as the 67th commanding general of the Philippine Army comes at a time of heightened tensions in the South China Sea and rising global instability.
Mr. Marcos pledged continued support to modernize the Armed Forces, telling the troops in Filipino: “As your commander-in-chief, I promise that we will continue to strengthen and further reinforce our Armed Forces.”
In his assumption speech, Mr. Nafarrete unveiled a five-point command strategy focused on human capital development, calling soldiers the army’s “most important asset.”
“We are entering an era where wars are not only fought with bullets but also with bytes — where battles can be won or lost through morale, awareness and unity,” he said in remarks broadcast by Radio Television Malacañang.
His five-point agenda involves prioritizing personnel, boosting morale, improving health and education and ensuring financial well-being.
“Each and every soldier, remember this: You are not just part of the force, you are the force,” he said. “You are not just defending the nation; you are the nation.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed support for Mr. Nafarrete in a separate statement.
“Under his leadership, the army will continue to enhance operational readiness, pursue modernization and uphold its core values of honor, patriotism and duty in service to the Filipino people,” it said.
Mr. Nafarrete replaces Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido, who retired after almost four decades of service, having served as army chief since 2023.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Bigkis-Lahi Class of 1990, Mr. Nafarrete held key positions within the Armed Forces, including commander of the 6th Infantry Kampilan Division, the 1st Infantry Tabak Division and the Joint Task Force Zampelan under the Western Mindanao Command.
During his tenure in Mindanao, he focused on dismantling local armed threats and combating terrorism, contributing to the region’s economic development and stability, the army said in a separate statement.
It noted that his leadership in internal security operations laid the foundation for the force’s transition to territorial defense and external security.
Earlier in the ceremony, Mr. Marcos awarded Mr. Galido the Presidential Legion of Honor for his “exceptional service,” recognizing his role in modernizing the army, improving civil-military ties and boosting regional defense partnerships.
“The army has been enriched by your service and will grow stronger under the leadership of its next commanding general,” he added. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana