MANILA, Philippines – Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete officially assumed command as the 67th Commanding General of the Philippine Army on July 31, 2025, succeeding Lieutenant General Roy M. Galido, who retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service.
Lt. Gen. Nafarrete, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, brings to the position decades of extensive leadership experience, particularly in Mindanao’s critical security areas. Prior to his appointment as Army chief, he served as commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM), where he spearheaded joint operations against insurgency and terrorism. He also previously led the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division in Maguindanao del Norte and the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division in Zamboanga del Sur.
The change of command ceremony was held at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City and was presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. During the event, the outgoing Army chief, Lt. Gen. Galido, was honored with the Presidential Legion of Honor Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to modernizing the Army and enhancing operational readiness. Galido notably was the first Army chief to serve two consecutive years under the amended military leadership term law, Republic Act 11939.
In his inaugural address, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete underscored the importance of “human capital development” within the Philippine Army. He emphasized that the strength of the military lies not only in its weaponry and technology but fundamentally in the education, health, motivation, and well-being of its soldiers. He pledged to foster a professional and motivated force capable of meeting the evolving security challenges facing the country.
