CA confirms Nafarrete as AFP chief, 37 other officers promoted
The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Thursday confirmed Gen. Antonio Nafarrete as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), along with 37 other generals, senior officers and flag officers. Nafarrete, appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July, now formally holds the top post in the military.
No objections were raised when the CA confirmed the interim appointments of Nafarrete and 36 other officers, as well as the nomination of one additional military officer. The CA's Committee on National Defense, chaired by Rep. Jose Joboy Aquino II, deliberated on the appointments beforehand and recommended approval.
“After exhaustive scrutiny, our committee is fully convinced of their readiness for these higher ranks. We harbor no doubts regarding the integrity and capacity of these 38 candidates,” Aquino said during the plenary session.
Who are the newly confirmed AFP officers?
The list of officers who secured the CA's approval includes:
- Antonio G. Nafarrete to general, chief of staff of AFP
- Thad Rufino P. Candelario to lieutenant general
- Phillip G. Alvarez Jr. to brigadier general
- Edwin B. Princillo to commodore
- Moises L. Micor to major general
- Elmer G. Toriado to commodore
- Emilio G. Oria Jr. to rear admiral
- Michael Odylon L. Romero to brigadier general (reserve)
- Gilberto T. Esteban Jr. to brigadier general
- Frederick A. Ancheta to brigadier general
- Rolando V. Noto to colonel, Philippine Army (reserve)
- Monotano B. Almodovar to brigadier general
- Vladimir T. Mata to colonel, Philippine Navy-Marine Corps (reserve)
- Donald G. Romquillo to captain, Philippine Navy (reserve)
- Divina Grace C. Yu to colonel, Philippine Army (reserve)
- Floreto I. Solano to colonel, Philippine Air Force (reserve)
- Romae D. De Asis to colonel, Philippine Army (reserve)
- Victor M. Llapitan to brigadier general
- Ronaldo V. Juan to major general
- Alex B. Ton to colonel, Philippine Army (Reserve)
- Marion T. Angcao to major general
- Carlos R. Ruiz III to commodore
- Ramilo B. Trinidad to commodore
- Paul G. Fudotian to colonel, Philippine Air Force (Reserve)
- Benjamin L. Leander to brigadier general
- Francis Anthony M. Coronel to lieutenant general
- Ferdinand Rey G. Ga to brigadier general
- Alfredo G. Antonio Jr. to brigadier general
- Eric D. Guevarra to brigadier general
- Jim P. Razo to commodore
- Bernardo A. Taqueban to brigadier general
- William George S. Cordova to brigadier general
- Norsal D. Dimaporo to commodore
- Manual Darius M. Resuello to brigadier general
- Edwin M. Nera to rear admiral
- Gieram R. Aragones to major general
- Jessie R. Montoya to brigadier general
- BGen. Prudencio A. Iddoba to major general
What did lawmakers say about the AFP appointments?
Several CA members voiced support for Nafarrete and the other officers. Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged them to “put the interests of the nation [and every Filipino] first,” while Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano, Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr., and Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla commended the officers for their service and leadership amid security threats, disasters and armed conflicts.
Senate President and CA Chairperson Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, along with Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and JV Ejercito, stressed the need to strengthen the AFP's capabilities and modernization. Lacson pledged budgetary support for the AFP's drone development as the budget season approaches.
Why does this confirmation matter for the Philippines?
This confirmation solidifies the leadership of the AFP under Nafarrete, ensuring continuity in military command as the country faces various security challenges. The promotion of 38 officers, including several reservists, reflects the military's commitment to professional development and readiness across all branches.
What is the Commission on Appointments?
The Commission on Appointments is a constitutional body that confirms presidential appointments, including military promotions and appointments to top government posts. Its approval is required for these appointments to become permanent.