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Antonio Nafarrete Named New AFP Chief
Photo credit: OACPA & OSPMA
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is getting a new leader as Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete officially takes over as AFP chief, succeeding Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who retires from military service on Tuesday.
The Department of National Defense announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved Nafarrete’s appointment to lead the country's military.
DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the appointment marks a new chapter for the AFP following Brawner’s retirement. At the same time, Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, who previously headed the Western Mindanao Command, has been appointed as the new commanding general of the Philippine Army.
"The DND congratulates Lt. Gen. Nafarrete and Lt. Gen. Gumiran on their appointments and looks forward to their leadership in upholding professionalism, excellence, and dedicated service to the Filipino people," Andolong said.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990, Nafarrete has led the Philippine Army since July 31, 2025. Before that, he commanded the AFP's Western Mindanao Command, overseeing operations against insurgency and terrorism. Throughout his military career, he also held key leadership roles in the 1st Infantry Division, Joint Task Force Zampelan, the 1101st Infantry Brigade, the 11th Infantry Division, and the AFP's operations staff.
Meanwhile, Brawner steps down after making history as the first AFP chief to complete a full three-year term under Republic Act No. 11939, the 2023 law aimed at strengthening professionalism and ensuring continuity in the military's modernization efforts. A member of PMA Class of 1989, he assumed the AFP's top post on July 21, 2023, after previously serving as Philippine Army chief.
The Department of National Defense announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved Nafarrete’s appointment to lead the country's military.
DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the appointment marks a new chapter for the AFP following Brawner’s retirement. At the same time, Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, who previously headed the Western Mindanao Command, has been appointed as the new commanding general of the Philippine Army.
"The DND congratulates Lt. Gen. Nafarrete and Lt. Gen. Gumiran on their appointments and looks forward to their leadership in upholding professionalism, excellence, and dedicated service to the Filipino people," Andolong said.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990, Nafarrete has led the Philippine Army since July 31, 2025. Before that, he commanded the AFP's Western Mindanao Command, overseeing operations against insurgency and terrorism. Throughout his military career, he also held key leadership roles in the 1st Infantry Division, Joint Task Force Zampelan, the 1101st Infantry Brigade, the 11th Infantry Division, and the AFP's operations staff.
Meanwhile, Brawner steps down after making history as the first AFP chief to complete a full three-year term under Republic Act No. 11939, the 2023 law aimed at strengthening professionalism and ensuring continuity in the military's modernization efforts. A member of PMA Class of 1989, he assumed the AFP's top post on July 21, 2023, after previously serving as Philippine Army chief.
Jul 21, 2026
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