Newly-minted commanding general of the Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete on Thursday disclosed that the Army is ready to provide ground forces to support the country’s territorial and external defense.

Nafarrete made the comments during his first official visit with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo earlier this week. Nafarrete, the 67th commanding general, said the Army plays a critical role as the AFP’s largest force provider.

He committed to maintaining a credible and responsive force aligned with the AFP’s strategic Campaign Plan, “Tatag Kapuluan.”

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said one of the key highlights of the visit was Nafarrete’s presentation of his leadership directive, “Our Personnel is Our Strength.”

The initiative focuses on human capital development to enhance the welfare, skills and combat readiness of Army personnel.

Nafarrete also reaffirmed the importance of inter-service collaboration, stating the Army’s commitment to working with the Philippine Navy and Air Force to implement the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which aims to strengthen the country’s maritime security.

The visit marks a unified commitment between the Army leadership and the AFP General Headquarters to advance defense modernization, enhance joint operations capability and safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.