President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday formally installed Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete as the 67th Commanding General of the Philippine Army, calling on the new Army chief to lead with vigilance and resolve amid growing regional tensions and global uncertainty.
Speaking during the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony held at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City, Mr. Marcos expressed full confidence in Nafarrete’s ability to guide the Army through a challenging security landscape.
“You will be assuming your role at a time when geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty are high,” President Marcos told Nafarrete.
“This will demand your vigilance and leadership to deliver clear direction and to show a firm commitment,” he added.
Nafarrete succeeds Lieutenant General Roy Galido, who officially retired after more than 30 years in military service. Galido, a respected officer from the PMA “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, was praised by Marcos for modernizing the Army’s capabilities and promoting peace through civil-military operations.
As he welcomed Nafarrete, the President emphasized the continuity of leadership and values within the institution.
“While no leader serves forever, the values that you impart in your time will continue to live on in this institution,” he said.
“Under your command, the Philippine Army will remain steadfast—a pillar of strength, integrity, and professionalism,” the president added.
Mr. Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), promising full support to the new Army leadership as it faces internal and external threats.
“As your Commander-in-Chief, I promise that we will continue and further strengthen our Armed Forces,” Mr. Marcos said.
“We owe you nothing less than our full support,” he added.
Nafarrete’s assumption of command comes as the Army continues to enhance its disaster response, expand its reserve force, modernize logistics and infrastructure, and deepen cooperation with allied forces.
The President called on the Army to remain loyal to its mission of service to the nation.
“May this serve as an inspiration for the Philippine Army to better fulfill its duty—to serve the nation with courage, integrity, and loyalty,” he said.
