WITH A VOW to steer the organization toward holistic development, continued modernization, and peace-building, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete has sworn as he officially assumed command of the Philippine Army as its 67th Commanding General.
In a change-of-command ceremony held at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Nafarrete outlined his leadership vision in a newly issued command guidance, emphasizing the Army’s core values of honor, professionalism, and duty.
Central to his agenda is the holistic development of Army personnel, whom he described as the organization’s most valuable resource.
“The strength of the Philippine Army lies in its people,” Nafarrete said. “We will invest in their development, sharpen our doctrines, and modernize our systems—all anchored on unity and shared purpose.”
‘The strength of the Philippine Army lies in its people … We will invest in their development, sharpen our doctrines, and modernize our systems—all anchored on unity and shared purpose.’
COMBAT-HARDENED, BATTLE-TESTED
A seasoned combat officer, Nafarrete is a full-blooded Scout Ranger whose military career spans key battle zones across the country—from Kalinga and Apayao in the north, to Negros in the Visayas, and Basilan, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Zamboanga Peninsula in the south.
He began his career as a platoon leader with the 10th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division (1ID), and was among the pioneers who reactivated the 1st Scout Ranger Company in 1991 under the First Scout Ranger Regiment. He later commanded the elite 1st Scout Ranger Battalion from 2008 to 2010.
His extensive leadership credentials also include commanding the Sulu-based 1101st Infantry Brigade under the 11th Infantry Division, and leading both the 1st and 6th Infantry Divisions. In November 2024, Nafarete was appointed commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command, becoming its 19th head.
PEACE ADVOCATE, NEGOTIATOR
Beyond the battlefield, Nafarrete has made significant contributions to the peace process in Mindanao. He once served as Chairman of the Government of the Philippines’ Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), a key mechanism under the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). His involvement helped ensure the implementation of the 2014 peace agreement between the government and the MILF.
RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
Nafarrete is the recipient of numerous military awards, including three Gold Cross Medals for gallantry in combat, the Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal in 2022 for peace-building efforts, and the Distinguished Service Star in 2013 for meritorious service.
He has also earned international military credentials, including the US Army Ranger Tab and US Parachutist Badge, and holds both the Scout Ranger and Paratrooper badges from the FSRR.
IMPECCABLE CREDENTIALS
A proud member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis-Lahi” Class of 1990, Nafarrete has pursued continuous academic and military education. He completed the Basic Airborne and Scout Ranger Courses early in his career and later trained at the US Army Infantry School in 1995. He also took advanced joint military courses at the National Defense University in the United States in 2005.
He holds a master’s degree in management, Major in Public Administration, from the Philippine Christian University, earned in 2013.
MARCHING ORDERS: TATAG KAPULUAN
In his first command conference, Nafarrete rallied the 110,000-strong Philippine Army to remain steadfast in supporting the AFP Unified Commands and the implementation of the military’s campaign plan, “Tatag Kapuluan.”
“Our Army must continue to be a responsible, credible, and capable force. We have a mission to fulfill—not just to secure, but to build peace, stability, and resilience in our nation,” he said.
As the Philippine Army enters a new chapter under his leadership, Nafarrete’s blend of battlefield experience, peace-building expertise, and transformative vision signals a renewed commitment to national defense and development.
