Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete named as Army chief

Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete was named as the new commanding general of the Philippine Army. 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will preside over the change of command ceremony in Taguig City on Thursday morning. 

Nafarrete replaced Lieutenant General Roy Galido, who will be conferred with the Presidential Legion of Honor Award in recognition of his exceptional service and dedication during his leadership. 

Nafarrete previously served as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) in November 2024.  

He also commanded the 1st Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Zampelan of WESMINCOM, and held various leadership positions in the 1101st Infantry Brigade, 11th Infantry Division, as well as in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, AFP. 

Both the outgoing and incoming Philippine Army chief were graduates of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990.

The Philippine Army welcomed its 67th chief and expressed support to his leadership.

“A seasoned leader with decades of service, Lieutenant General Nafarrete brings integrity, experience, and a strong commitment to the Army’s mission of peace and national development,” Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said in a statement.

“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.—with a report from Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News