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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Army chief vows strong support system for archipelagic defense operations

Army chief vows strong support system for archipelagic defense operations

Published Sep 11, 2025 12:02 pm
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and AFP's Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) Commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca salute the Philippine flag during their visit to the Naval Detachment on Mavulis Island in Batanes on September 10, 2025.⁩ (photo: Philippine Army)
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and AFP's Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) Commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca salute the Philippine flag during their visit to the Naval Detachment on Mavulis Island in Batanes on September 10, 2025.⁩ (photo: Philippine Army)
Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete has committed to further strengthening the capabilities and support system to soldiers in charge of territorial defense in the northern and western parts of the country.
Nafarrete issued the assurance during his visit to the Naval Detachment on Mavulis Island in Batanes where he affirmed the Philippine Army’s support to the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations (CADO).
“The Philippine Army is strengthening its modernization efforts such as integrating drone technology into the force structure as part of the shift towards external security operations,” said Nafarrete.
The Philippine Army is the primary force provider to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) and Western Command (Wescom).
“As part of CADO, we are conducting large-scale training exercises such as the annual Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX),” he added.
Nafarrete emphasized the need to further improve the soldiers’ capability, especially on the aspect of military technology.
He said they are strengthening the Army’s force projection capabilities to effectively defend the country’s territory and its 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in close coordination with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force.
Nafarrete said he also push for the continuity in equipping Army troopers through innovative training programs anchored in human capital development to ensure a stronger workforce.
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