President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reiterated his full support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as he formally installed Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete as the new Commanding General of the Philippine Army.

President Marcos expressed confidence that the Philippine Army will continue to stand as a pillar of strength, integrity, and professionalism.

“Kaya’t sa araw na ito, bilang inyong Commander-in-Chief, ipinapangako ko na ipagpapatuloy natin at patitibayin pa natin ang ating Sandatahang Lakas. We owe you nothing less than our full support,” President Marcos said in his speech at the turnover of command ceremonies held at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Nafarrete, now the 67th commander of the 110,000-strong Philippine Army, succeeded Lt. Gen. Roy Galido who stepped down upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 57.

“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 firm commitment,” President Marcos said, addressing Nafarrete.

“I have full confidence that under your command, the Philippine Army will remain steadfast [as] a pillar of strength and integrity, professionalism,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

Nafarrete previously served as commander of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command, which is responsible for the defense against communist insurgents and Islamic militants in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and parts of Lanao del Norte.

Nafarrete had also served as commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the military’s leading force provider in Central Mindanao. | PND