General Antonio G. Nafarrete officially took command as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on July 21, 2026, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Strengthening Defense: A Priority for the New Leadership
Today the Armed Forces of the Philippines stand at a pivotal point in its transformation. Under my lead, the AFP’s foremost imperative is to strengthen territorial defense.
General Antonio Nafarrete, AFP Chief of Staff
- Bolstering territorial defense as a primary focus
- Accelerating military modernization efforts
- Enhancing partnerships with allied nations
Nafarrete's foremost goal is to fortify the country's territorial integrity. He stressed that the AFP’s mission includes defending national sovereignty and interests, particularly in light of the escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
He emphasized that peace efforts must be underpinned by strong military capabilities. "We seek peace, we support dialogue, we respect international law, but our desire for peace must always be supported by credible capability," Nafarrete stated.
The new chief plans to deepen military collaborations through unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral exercises, aligning these initiatives with the country's national defense strategy.
Nafarrete also aims to accelerate the AFP modernization program, focusing on comprehensive capability development rather than merely acquiring new equipment. He highlighted the importance of integrating trained personnel and effective organizational structures.
Recognizing the vital role of human resources, he stated, "Our true strength lies in our personnel," indicating a commitment to human capital development as part of the modernization efforts.
Nafarrete succeeded General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., who completed a three-year term. In his address, Nafarrete expressed gratitude for Brawner’s leadership, affirming a continuity of reforms initiated during his predecessor’s tenure.