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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Build Philippine Army that ensures national security, responsive to emergencies — Marcos

Build Philippine Army that ensures national security, responsive to emergencies — Marcos

Published Aug 12, 2026 02:55 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the change of command of the Philippine Army from General Antonio Nafarrete, who has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran in a ceremony at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City on Aug. 11, 2026. (PCO)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the change of command of the Philippine Army from General Antonio Nafarrete, who has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran in a ceremony at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City on Aug. 11, 2026. (PCO)
President Marcos has ordered new chief of Philippine Army to build a strong force highly capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and can quickly respond to disasters and calamities.
Marcos made the directive to Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, the Army’s new commanding general, during his speech at the change of command ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 12.
"You take command as the Army continues transition towards external defense. Build a force capable of securing the land domain, supporting joint operations, and contributing fully to defending our sovereignty and asserting our territorial integrity," Marcos told Gumiran.
The President also wants Gumiran to maintain a highly deployable force that could sustain operations and respond decisively wherever the mission requires.
“Especially now, as many of our communities confront heavy monsoon rains and other calamities. Keep the Army ready to support search, rescue, and relief operations,” Marcos said.
The Commander-in-chief stressed that the people must know that the Philippine Army is ready to help them in times of emergencies.
“Be prepared to reach isolated communities, bring families to safety, help deliver food and other essential supplies. When disaster strikes, our people must know that the Army is ready to help them," Marcos said.
At the same time, Marcos also asked Gumiran to lead the Army with discipline and integrity, to uphold the Constitution, and to protect the trust of the Filipino people.
The President also called on Gumiran to ensure that every Army unit and personnel remain disciplined and fully aligned with the defense priorities of the Republic.
Army soldiers must be taken care of, Marcos said, noting that while equipment can be modernized and tactics be refined, it is the “people who carry the mission, hold the line, and give meaning to every gain we make as a force.”
Gumiran rose from being a platoon leader to becoming the commander of the Western Mindanao Command. He also studied at the US Army War College.
He replaces Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, who was recently assumed command of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

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President Marcos Philippine Army National security Donald Gumiran
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