President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed the new Philippine Army leadership to ensure that all personnel remain disciplined and 'fully aligned' with the country’s 'defense priorities.'
Marcos issued the directive during the Army’s 68th Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, where Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran formally assumed command from outgoing PA chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, according to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa.
“Lead the Army with discipline and integrity. Uphold the Constitution. Protect the trust of the Filipino people,” Marcos said in his speech.
“Ensure that every personnel and every unit in the Army remains disciplined and fully aligned with the defense priorities of our Republic. And above all, continue to take care of our soldiers,” he added.
Marcos emphasized the importance of putting soldiers at the center of the military’s mission, noting that equipment and tactics could be improved but personnel remained essential to carrying out the Army’s duties.
“Equipment can be modernized. Tactics can be refined. But it is our people who carry the mission, who hold the line,” the President said.
Marcos presided over the change of command following Nafarrete’s appointment as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The President also conferred the Distinguished Service Star on Nafarrete in recognition of his service to the PA.
Gumiran, who previously served as commander of the Western Mindanao Command, officially succeeded Nafarrete as Army commanding general.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992, Gumiran also holds a degree from the US Army War College. He previously served as part of the Philippine Contingent to the United Nations Guard Contingent in Iraq.
