MANILA (July 31) – Newly appointed Philippine Army (PA) Commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete vowed on Thursday to prioritize human capital development, emphasizing that the strength of the Army lies in its personnel.
“Our true strength is not just in weapons or technology—it is in you, our people,” Nafarrete said during the turnover ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, addressing the 110,000-strong Army.
He highlighted his commitment to recognizing the sacrifices of soldiers and fostering a culture of respect, empowerment, and career growth. He also promised to strengthen physical and mental health support, education, and financial literacy programs across the ranks.
“We will ensure that soldiers feel valued, supported, and equipped—not just in combat, but in life,” he added.
Nafarrete also stressed accountability among commanders, saying leaders will be judged not only by performance but also by how they care for their troops.
Prior to his appointment as the 67th PA chief, Nafarrete served as commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command, leading operations against insurgency and terrorism. He previously held key leadership roles in the 1st Infantry Division and other AFP units.
He succeeds Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, who retired on Thursday.
PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala welcomed Nafarrete’s appointment, describing him as a seasoned and principled leader committed to operational readiness and national service.
