Marcos to PH Army: Be vigilant as geopolitical tensions are high

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Thursday the new leadership of the Philippine Army needs to be vigilant as geopolitical tensions and uncertainties are high. 

Marcos, as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, presided over the change of command ceremony of the Philippine Army wherein Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete took helm as chief, replacing Lieutenant General Roy Galido. 

“You will be assuming your role at a time when geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty are high. This will demand your vigilance and leadership to deliver clear direction and to show a firm commitment,” Marcos said in his speech. 

“But I have full confidence that under your command, the Philippine Army will remain steadfast [as] a pillar of strength and integrity, professionalism,” he added. 

The President also acknowledged Galido, saying that under his leadership, the Philippine Army grew stronger. 

“Our uniformed men and women were given new tools, better equipment, enabling them to move faster, respond better, serve more effectively,” Marcos said. 

“You have strengthened our bonds with our allies to improve how we share intelligence, how we conduct joint operations,” he added. 

Marcos ensured that his administration would continue to support the major service. 

In his remarks, Nafarrete said human capital development would be the focus of his leadership.

“Our focus will be centered on human capital development, a mission within our mission, to invest not just in what we fight with, but in who fights,” Nafarrete said.

The new Army chief stressed that a high morale Army is a resilient one. 

”Our commitment to human capital development is not apart from the Army’s mission but a vital part of it,” Nafarrete said.

He said that responding to geopolitical tensions was not only through procurement of new systems or advanced weaponry.

”We are entering an era where wars are not only fought with bullets, but also with bytes, where borders are tested not just by battalions but by bandwidths, where battles can be won or lost through morale, awareness, and unity,” Nafarrete said. 

Nafarrete said he is humbled, honored and fully-committed with his designation.

Nafarrete also thanked Marcos for the trust and confidence given to him in leading the Philippine Army. 

Both Nafarrete and Galido belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News