Marcos installs new Army chief, vows full support

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MANILA, Philippines — A military officer who led government forces in critical security areas in Mindanao has been named commander of the 110,000-strong Philippine Army.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete assumed yesterday as the 67th Army chief, succeeding Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, who retired after more than three decades in the service.

A graduate of Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” class of 1990, Nafarrete is the former commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command, which secures Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and parts of Lanao del Norte from security threats like Islamic militants and communist rebels.

He is also a former chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the military’s leading force provider in Central Mindanao.

During the change of command ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, President Marcos expressed optimism over the leadership of his newly appointed Army chief.

“You (Nafarrete) 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,” the President said.

“But I have full confidence that under your command, the Philippine Army will remain steadfast (as) a pillar of strength and integrity, professionalism,” he added.

Marcos, also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, vowed to sustain efforts to strengthen the military. “We owe you nothing less than our full support,” he said.

“May this serve as an inspiration for the Philippine Army in performing its duty – to serve the nation with strength, conviction and honesty.”

Marcos also thanked Galido for his service, saying the retired Army chief had defined his leadership through dedication and discipline.

During the ceremony, Marcos conferred on Galido the Presidential Legion of Honor award in recognition of his service. The former Army chief was also presented with various plaques and awards for his contributions to the military.

Galido is the first Army chief to serve two consecutive years under Republic Act No. 11939, which aims to strengthen professionalism and promote the continuity of policies and modernization initiatives in the armed forces.

The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed yesterday the designation of Nafarrete as the new commanding general of the Philippine Army.

“The Department of National Defense congratulates Lt. Gen. Nafarrete on his appointment. He brings with him a wealth of experience and leadership, having most recently served as Commander of the Western Mindanao Command,” the DND said in a statement.

“The Department expresses its full confidence in his ability to lead the Philippine Army with honor, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to duty,” the DND added.

Nafarrete assumed his new post yesterday and laid out a five-point command guidance that focuses on human capital development of soldiers.

Nafarrete enumerated five focus areas: personnel, morale, health, education and finances.

In his assumption speech, Nafarrete thanked President Marcos for choosing him and declared that the military is “entering an era where wars are not only fought with bullets, but also with bytes. Where borders are tested not just by battalions, but by bandwidths. Where battles can be won or lost through morale, awareness and unity.”