Defending the Philippine territory, sovereignty, sovereign rights and national interests will be the pillars of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under its new chief, Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.

In his inaugural speech in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Tuesday afternoon, Nafarrete said his priority is to strengthen the military’s territorial defense capabilities.

“Today the Armed Forces of the Philippines stand at a pivotal point in its transformation. Under my lead, the AFP’s foremost imperative is to strengthen territorial defense and further operationalize the comprehensive archipelagic (defense) concept,” he said.

Nafarrete also vowed to focus on accelerating the ongoing military modernization and capability development.

“Modernization is a development of an integrated capability. Hence, every platform must have trained personnel. Every system must have clear doctrine. Every capability must be supported by effective organization, resilient facilities, reliable logistics, proper maintenance, and long-term sustainment,” he said.

In confidence, there’s strength

Nafarrete said every capability depends upon the confidence, character and commitment to the Filipino people.

“When I assumed command of the Philippine Army last year, I expressed one clear belief: (that) our true strength does not only lie in the weapons we wield, the equipment we acquire, or the technology we adopt. Our true strength lies in our personnel. Today, as I assume leadership of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines, that belief remains unchanged. It now extends to every soldier, airman, sailor, marine, reservist and civilian human resource serving across our nation and beyond our shores,” he said.

Nafarrete also said the heart of the AFP is not made of steel but of people who serve, sacrifice, lead, innovate, endure and stand ready whenever and wherever the nation calls.