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Advocates Philippines
New Leadership At The Helm: Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete Takes Command Of The Philippine Army
Photo credit: Philippine Army
The Philippine Army has entered a new chapter in its leadership. On Thursday, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete officially assumed command as the 67th Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), succeeding Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, who stepped down after two years of distinguished service.
The transition was marked by a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In recognition of his service, Galido was conferred the Presidential Legion of Honor Award—one of the country’s highest distinctions—for his dedication and exceptional leadership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Galido, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, made history as the first Army chief to serve a full two-year term under Republic Act 11939. This law adjusted the tenure system for senior military positions to promote greater continuity and professionalism in the ranks. During his time as Army chief, Galido steered the force through crucial modernization efforts and strengthened the Army’s territorial defense and operational readiness.
Now at the forefront is Lt. Gen. Nafarrete, also from PMA Class of 1990. His appointment comes as the AFP intensifies its shift toward external defense and navigates evolving regional security challenges. Prior to this role, Nafarrete served as the commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), where he oversaw joint operations against insurgent and terrorist threats. He also led the 1st Infantry Division, Joint Task Force Zampelan, and held key operational roles in multiple Army units and at the AFP headquarters.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., himself a former Army chief, welcomed Nafarrete’s leadership and emphasized the strategic importance of strong coordination between the Army and the AFP high command.
“It’s very important that we have a strong working relationship because the Army is the biggest force in the AFP,” Brawner said, adding that unity and professionalism across all commands are essential to building a truly modern armed force.
As the Philippine Army moves forward under Nafarrete’s leadership, its mission will remain closely aligned with national security goals—particularly in strengthening territorial defense and responding to both conventional threats and emerging challenges in the region.
The transition was marked by a Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In recognition of his service, Galido was conferred the Presidential Legion of Honor Award—one of the country’s highest distinctions—for his dedication and exceptional leadership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Galido, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, made history as the first Army chief to serve a full two-year term under Republic Act 11939. This law adjusted the tenure system for senior military positions to promote greater continuity and professionalism in the ranks. During his time as Army chief, Galido steered the force through crucial modernization efforts and strengthened the Army’s territorial defense and operational readiness.
Now at the forefront is Lt. Gen. Nafarrete, also from PMA Class of 1990. His appointment comes as the AFP intensifies its shift toward external defense and navigates evolving regional security challenges. Prior to this role, Nafarrete served as the commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), where he oversaw joint operations against insurgent and terrorist threats. He also led the 1st Infantry Division, Joint Task Force Zampelan, and held key operational roles in multiple Army units and at the AFP headquarters.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., himself a former Army chief, welcomed Nafarrete’s leadership and emphasized the strategic importance of strong coordination between the Army and the AFP high command.
“It’s very important that we have a strong working relationship because the Army is the biggest force in the AFP,” Brawner said, adding that unity and professionalism across all commands are essential to building a truly modern armed force.
As the Philippine Army moves forward under Nafarrete’s leadership, its mission will remain closely aligned with national security goals—particularly in strengthening territorial defense and responding to both conventional threats and emerging challenges in the region.
Jul 31, 2025
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