TARLAKENYO — The Department of National Defense on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, named Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete as the incoming Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The appointment follows the retirement of Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, currently serving as the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, will take over the helm of the Philippine Army as its new Commanding General.
Department of National Defense Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong expressed confidence in the newly appointed officials, stating that the agency looks forward to their leadership in upholding professionalism, excellence, and dedicated service to the Filipino people.
The high-level defense shuffle comes on the heels of another major military milestone in Tarlac province, where the Philippine Army’s Armor (Pambato) Division recently celebrated its golden jubilee at Camp O’Donnell in Capas.
Marking 50 years of service, the division’s anniversary celebration brought together key military officials — including Lt. Gen. Nafarrete and Armor Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ronel Manalo — alongside local leaders and stakeholders.
During the golden jubilee commemoration, leaders underscored the division’s strategic evolution from supporting internal security operations to embracing a broader role in territorial defense and combined arms operations.
The event also honored outstanding military personnel, units, and civilian partners who demonstrated exemplary performance, leadership, and heroism in advancing peace, security, and nation-building across the country.
