• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
General Antonio Nafarrete, newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, outlined a strategic vision centered on sustaining internal security gains, strengthening territorial defense, accelerating military modernization, and investing in human capital as the foundation of a stronger and more capable armed forces.
In his speech upon assumption as AFP chief on Tuesday, Nafarrete emphasized that while leadership changes over time, the military’s constitutional mandate remains constant.
“As the Armed Forces of the Philippines move forward, we shall build upon the accomplishments and lessons of those who came before us. Leadership may change, but our constitutional mandate remains constant. Our mission continues. Our duty endures, and our commitment to the Filipino people shall remain unwavering,” he said.
Nafarrete, who succeeded Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as AFP chief, described the AFP as being at a pivotal stage in its transformation and identified strengthening territorial defense as the organization’s foremost strategic imperative through the continued operationalization of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
According to the AFP chief, who formerly assigned in Negros as commander of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion defending Philippine territory, sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests will remain the military’s primary responsibility.
While reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and adherence to international law, he stressed that peace must be supported by credible military capability, sustained operational readiness, and the resolve to defend the nation’s interests.
The AFP chief also underscored the importance of expanding defense cooperation with allies, strategic partners, and like-minded nations. He said the military would continue to strengthen unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral exercises and defense engagements as key components of the country’s comprehensive defense preparations.
Another priority, Nafarrete said, is preserving and consolidating the gains achieved through internal security operations.
He credited the sacrifices of military personnel, the cooperation of communities, and the collective efforts of government for significantly weakening armed groups and creating opportunities for peace and development in formerly conflict-affected areas.
“We shall not allow these hard-earned gains to be reversed,” he declared, adding that the AFP would continue supporting the implementation of existing peace agreements, the normalization process, and the transformation of former conflict-affected communities.
The AFP chief likewise called for accelerating AFP modernization, emphasizing that modernization involves more than acquiring new equipment.
He described modernization as the development of an integrated capability where every platform is supported by trained personnel, clear doctrine, effective organization, resilient facilities, reliable logistics, proper maintenance, and long-term sustainment.
“Above all, every capability depends upon the competence, character, and commitment of our people,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of personnel, the AFP chief recalled the principle he articulated when he assumed command of the Philippine Army—that the military’s greatest strength lies not only in its weapons, equipment, or technology, but in its people.
Nafarrete said this belief now extends to every soldier, airman, sailor, marine, reservist, and civilian human resource serving the AFP.
For this reason, he said human capital development would be placed at the center of AFP modernization, with greater investments not only in military equipment but also in the education, leadership, training, and professional development of personnel.
In closing, the AFP chief pledged to lead the organization with integrity, humility, accountability, and a clear sense of purpose.
He assured the Filipino people that the AFP would remain professional, disciplined, nonpartisan, and faithful to the Constitution while respecting civilian authority, upholding human rights and international humanitarian law, and remaining accountable to the people. | GPB
