By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the swift confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA) of the ad interim appointments of 38 senior military officers, including AFP chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, saying the move strengthens leadership stability and joint force readiness.
The CA confirmed the appointments during its plenary session on Aug. 13, with the AFP saying the action provides continuity among senior commanders across the military’s major services.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the group consists of 19 Philippine Army officers, seven Philippine Air Force officers, nine Philippine Navy officers and three Philippine Marine Corps officers.
“Led by AFP chief of staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the confirmed officers included senior leaders from the AFP’s major services,” Trinidad said.
Nafarrete, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990, assumed the country’s top military post on July 21, succeeding Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
Before taking command of the AFP, Nafarrete served as Philippine Army chief beginning July 31, 2025.
His previous assignments included commander of the Western Mindanao Command, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan, as well as chief of the AFP J-3 or Operations Staff.
The AFP said the newly confirmed officers are expected to take on key roles in advancing joint operations and strengthening professional military development.
Trinidad said the confirmation of the senior officers supports the AFP’s continuing mandate to safeguard national security and protect the Filipino people.
The military said the confirmation provides greater leadership stability across its major services as the newly confirmed officers assume their respective responsibilities.
Trinidad said the CA action further supports the AFP’s efforts to maintain joint force readiness and fulfill its mandate.
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