Philippine Army Chief Nafarrete Named AFP Chief of Staff

Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete was appointed chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday, the Department of National Defense announced hours before a scheduled change-of-command ceremony. Nafarrete, who had served as commanding general of the Philippine Army, replaces General Romeo Brawner Jr.

Brawner is set to retire after completing a fixed three-year term under Republic Act No. 11939, enacted in 2023.

Gumiran, previously commander of the Western Mindanao Command, was named the new commander of the Army. Nafarrete’s appointment runs through July 2029 unless he is removed earlier. The law permits AFP chiefs to remain in post beyond the standard retirement age of 57.

The appointment occurs as the AFP continues a shift from internal security operations toward external defense. The National Security Policy, released in 2023, guides modernization and force redeployment, particularly in the Navy and Air Force. The Army is expected to maintain internal security duties while gradually transferring those responsibilities to police units.

Brawner will formally hand over command to Nafarrete on Tuesday afternoon.