By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete as the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), ushering in a new leadership at the country’s military establishment as Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. steps down upon retiring.
The Department of National Defense (DND) announced the appointment on Tuesday, only hours before the AFP changes command and holds retirement rites at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Before his appointment, Nafarrete served as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, where he led the service’s modernization initiatives, force readiness programs, and personnel development efforts.
His elevation also triggered a reshuffle within the Army leadership. The DND said Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, currently the commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), has been designated as the new Commanding General of the Philippine Army.
Nafarrete assumes command of the AFP at a crucial period as the military continues to strengthen its external defense posture, accelerate modernization efforts, and sustain internal security gains while safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.
The leadership transition is expected to ensure continuity in the AFP’s operational priorities, particularly in protecting national sovereignty and enhancing the capabilities of the country’s armed forces.
The official turnover of command is scheduled during the AFP retirement and change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo.
ia/xf
