By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete on Tuesday said his priority is to strengthen the military’s territorial defense capabilities.
“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 in his inaugural speech in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Nafarrete said defending the Philippine territory, sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests remain the AFP’s primary responsibility.
He also vowed to focus on accelerating the ongoing military modernization and capability development.
“Modernization is a development of an integrated capability. Hence, 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,” he said.
Above all, the new AFP chief said every capability depends upon the confidence, character, and commitment to the Filipino people.
“When I assumed command of the Philippine Army last year, I expressed one clear belief: (that) 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. Today, as I assume leadership of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines, that belief remains unchanged. It now extends to every soldier, airman, sailor, marine, reservist, and civilian human resource serving across our nation and beyond our shores,” he said.
Nafarrete also said the heart of the AFP is not made of steel but of people who serve, sacrifice, lead, innovate, endure, and stand ready whenever and wherever the nation calls.
“For this reason, human capital development shall be at the center of AFP modernization. We shall invest not only in what we fight with but also in who serves, who leads, who operates and sustains our force,” he said.
Nafarrete likewise assured the Filipino people that the AFP remains professional, disciplined, non-partisan, and faithful to the Constitution.
“We shall respect civilian authority. We shall uphold human rights and international humanitarian law. We shall remain accountable to the Filipino people, we are sworn to protect and we shall continue to serve with honor, service and patriotism,” he said.
The AFP chief assured the public that gains of peace will be preserved.
“Together, we will secure our archipelago and protect our maritime domain. Together, we shall strengthen our alliances and partnerships. Together, we shall build a modern, credible, joint, and capable armed forces. And together, we shall prepare not only for the challenges of today, but also for the demands of the future,” he added.
