Overview
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Antonio Nafarrete to lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines, replacing Romeo Brawner and giving Nafarrete a fixed three-year term.
- Nafarrete is a Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990 graduate with 36 years of service and combat and counter‑insurgency experience in the southern Philippines.
- He takes command of a roughly 160,000‑strong force that is carrying out a multi‑billion‑dollar modernisation to replace ageing ships, aircraft and equipment and to improve maritime and external defence.
- The appointment follows a contested encounter at Second Thomas Shoal in which Manila accused China Coast Guard personnel of striking a navy crew member and Beijing denied the allegation.
- The government is widening defence ties with Japan, Australia, Canada and European countries to diversify partners beyond the United States, a move that could speed arms deliveries and increase joint patrols that affect coastal communities and seafaring safety.