President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered newly appointed Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran to build a strong force capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and responding quickly to disasters.
Speaking at the Army change of command ceremony, Marcos said the force must strengthen its role in external defense, joint operations, and territorial security.
He also urged the Army to remain ready for search, rescue, and relief operations amid monsoon rains and other calamities.
Marcos called on Gumiran to lead with discipline and integrity while upholding the Constitution and public trust.
Gumiran, a former Western Mindanao Command chief and US Army War College graduate, replaced Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, who now leads the AFP.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 13, 2026
MARCOS CALLS FOR ARMY FOCUSED ON SECURITY, EMERGENCIES
Latest from News
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. recognized Japan’s contributions to strengthening the Philippines’ defense
The government can tap P27.93 billion from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF)
Laguna de Bay’s water level rose to 12.15 meters as of 7 a.m. Thursday, up from
ABS-CBN Corp. is set to receive up to P6 billion in fresh equity from new and
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed lawyer Christian Lel Saquilabon as undersecretary of the Department of