The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed on Thursday the official appointment of Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete as the new commanding general of the Philippine Army.
Nafarrete formally assumed office on July 31, 2025 succeeding the retired Lt. Gen. Roy Galido. The two underwent a simultaneous change of command and retirement ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and other officials in attendance.
In a statement, the DND said Nafarrete brings with him a wealth of experience and leadership, having most recently served as Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom).
The department expressed its full confidence in his ability to lead the Philippine Army with honor, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to duty.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. for his part said he looks forward to sustaining a “strong working relationship” with the Philippine Army under Nafarrete’s leadership, citing the military land unit as the “biggest force in the AFP.”
“It’s very important that we have a strong working relationship because the Army is the biggest force in the AFP,” AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
Nafarrete takes command as the AFP shifts to a territorial defense posture amid growing regional security concerns.
“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,” Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said.
“We extend our full support as he assumes command. 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,” he added.
