By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
At the change of command ceremony held at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City this Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido, who will be replaced by AFP Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.
Prior to leading the country’s armed forces, Galido served as the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command and as an Army Inspector.
The President recognized his leadership defined by instilling dedication and discipline to military personnel, upholding the integrity of the Army and making great strides in civil-military operations.
President Marcos said, lauding the former Army leader, “Under Lieutenant General Galido, the institution grew stronger. Our uniformed men and women were given new tools, better equipment, enabling them to move faster, respond better, [and] serve more effectively.”
He added, “You have strengthened our bonds with our allies to improve how we share intelligence, how we conduct joint operations.”
The Commander-in-Chief, meanwhile, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering the country’s Armed Forces by vowing to keep AFP as a pillar of strength, integrity, and professionalism.
He appointed Nafarrete as the new top brass of the 110,000-strong Philippine Army, taking over the reins of Galido who stepped down upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 57.
The Chief Executive said, addressing Nafarrete, “You will be assuming your role at a time when geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty are high. This will demand your vigilance and leadership to deliver clear direction and to show firm commitment.”
He declared, “I have full confidence that under your command, the Philippine Army will remain steadfast [as] a pillar of strength and integrity, professionalism.”
Nafarrete previously served as commander of the AFP’s WESMINCOM, which is responsible for the defense against communist insurgents and Islamic militants in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and parts of Lanao del Norte.
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