New AFP chief vows to strengthen territorial defenses

National

LT. GEN. Antonio Nafarrete has been named as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), succeeding Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who retired after serveding s the 60th AFP chief for three years.

During the AFP change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, July 21, Nafarrete vowed to strengthen the country’s territorial defense capabilities under his leadership while pursuing military modernization and strategic partnerships in support of the country’s defense priorities.

“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 and further operationalize the comprehensive archipelagic concept,” Nafarrete said in a Philstar report

He added: “The defense of the Philippine territory, sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interests shall remain our primary responsibility.”

Following Nafarrete’s appointment, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the new AFP chief to protect the Filipino people and “defend every inch of our land” amid China’s recent actions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The command entrusted to you is great, but the purpose is even greater: to safeguard our people, defend every inch of our land and waters and secure the future of our Republic,” Marcos said during the change of command ceremony.

“We adhere to international law. We are a respectful nation that conducts itself with dignity, restraint and professionalism. We seek cooperation, but we will never compromise our sovereignty. We extend friendship to all, but we will never abandon our national dignity. That has always been the Filipino way. And that will always be our course. The command changes hands, but the mission remains. And the duty to defend our flag never ends,” the president added.

Marcos made the remarks a day after a Philippine Navy personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was reportedly struck in the head and injured by a China Coast Guard crew on Monday morning.

Before taking over as AFP chief, Nafarrete served as commanding general of the Philippine Army. He will be succeeded by Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, the former commander of the Western Mindanao Command.(Mary Elaine Virtucio, UP Cebu Comm Intern)