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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Brawner bids adieu to Northern Luzon troops ahead of retirement; Who are his possible successors?

Brawner bids adieu to Northern Luzon troops ahead of retirement; Who are his possible successors?

Published Jul 4, 2026 10:21 am  |  Updated Jul 4, 2026 01:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. honored outstanding Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) personnel during a farewell visit to Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac ahead of his retirement on July 21.
  • President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to appoint Brawner's successor in the coming weeks, with Acting AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Rommel P. Roldan, Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Arthur M. Cordura, and Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta among the leading contenders.
  • The next AFP chief is expected to continue the military's modernization and external defense shift, with Malacañang likely considering leadership experience, joint operations background, the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), and eligibility to serve a full fixed term.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. (File photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. (File photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. recognized outstanding soldiers of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) as he continued his farewell visits ahead of his retirement later this month and the expected transition in the military's top leadership.
Brawner visited Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City last Thursday, July 2, where he was welcomed by NOLCOM chief Lieutenant General Aristotle D. Gonzales, who led arrival honors for the AFP chief.
During the visit, Brawner presented awards to officers and enlisted personnel in recognition of their “professionalism, dedication, and commitment to duty.”
He also thanked NOLCOM troops for their service as he prepares to step down as the country's highest-ranking military officer on July 21.
The visit came less than three weeks before his mandatory retirement, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expected to name his successor. Under the Constitution, the President appoints the AFP chief of staff.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier said the next AFP chief should sustain the military's modernization efforts and continue the shift toward external defense, although he has not identified any preferred candidate.
Possible successors
Among the officers seen as possible successors is Lieutenant General Rommel P. Roldan, the AFP's acting vice chief of staff. Holding the military's second highest post traditionally places him among the leading contenders for the position. His experience in joint headquarters and his close work with Brawner are also viewed as advantages.
Also considered possible candidates are Philippine Army (PA) chief Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete, Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, and Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta.
Nafarrete leads the AFP's largest service branch, whose commanders have often gone on to become AFP chief.
Meanwhile, Cordura has overseen key air modernization projects as the military strengthens its external defense capability.
Further, Ezpeleta's chances are also being watched closely as the government continues to place greater emphasis on maritime security and the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
However, there are several other officers holding major posts in the military who might emerge as "dark horses" and seize the top post.
Marcos is expected to weigh several factors in choosing the next AFP chief including the continuity of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), experience in joint operations, leadership in the modernization program, ties with defense partners such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, and the ability to serve a full fixed term under the AFP leadership law.
Read: AFP chief succession rests with Marcos as Brawner retirement nears – defense chief

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Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. retirement
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