New AFP chief vows to strengthen territorial defense, speed up military modernization

Newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete on Tuesday vowed to strengthen the country’s territorial defense, deepen defense partnerships, and accelerate the military’s modernization as he assumed the armed forces’ top post.

Speaking during the AFP change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Nafarrete said the military’s “foremost imperative” under his leadership is to bolster the country’s territorial defense.

“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 Defense Concept,” he said.

READ: Who is Antonio Nafarrete, the new AFP chief?

Nafarrete said defending the country’s territory, sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests would remain the AFP’s primary responsibility.

“We seek peace, we support dialogue, we respect international law, but our desire for peace must always be supported by credible capability, sustained readiness, and the resolve to defend what rightfully belongs to the Filipino people.”

The new AFP chief also said he intends to expand military cooperation with allies and partner nations.

“We shall further expand our unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral exercises and defense engagements as integral components of Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense preparations guided by the country’s national interests.”

Nafarrete likewise vowed to preserve gains made in internal security operations while continuing to support existing peace agreements and the normalization of former conflict-affected communities.

He also committed to accelerating the AFP modernization program, saying capability development goes beyond acquiring military equipment.

“Modernization is the development of an integrated capability. Every platform must have trained personnel. Every system must have clear doctrine. Every capability must be supported by effective organization, resilient facilities, reliable logistics, proper maintenance, and long-term sustainment.”

Nafarrete emphasized that the military’s greatest asset remains its personnel, saying human capital development would be at the center of modernization efforts.

“Our true strength does not only lie in the weapons we wield, the equipment we acquire, or the technology we adopt. Our true strength lies in our personnel.”

He said this belief now extends to “every soldier, airman, sailor, marine, reservist, and civilian human resource serving across our nation and beyond our shores.”

“As your Chief of Staff, my leadership will be guided by integrity, humility, accountability, and a clear sense of purpose,” Nafarrete said.

Nafarrete succeeded General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., whose three-year term as AFP chief ended Tuesday. In his speech, he thanked Brawner for his leadership and said the armed forces would build on the reforms and operational gains achieved during his predecessor’s tenure.

“We shall build upon the accomplishments and lessons of those who came before us. Leadership may change, but our constitutional mandate remains constant,” he said. — BM, GMA News