NATION

Gumiran takes command of Philippine Army

James Pacala · Aug 11, 2026, 5:52 PM

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. passing the Saber of Command to the newly appointed Commanding General of Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran. — screen cap | RTVM

Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran formally assumed command of the Philippine Army during a change of command ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Tuesday, 11 August.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the ceremony alongside Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Navarrete.

Gumiran became the Army’s 68th commanding general, succeeding Navarrete, who assumed the AFP’s top post on 21 July.

“I accept this duty with confidence, not because of any individual capability, but because I have complete faith in the men and women of the Philippine Army,” Gumiran said.

“Together, we will continue to build an organization that is ready to meet present and future challenges.”

Marcos expressed confidence in Gumiran, citing his extensive command experience.

“Your years of frontline command from platoon leader to commander of the Western Mindanao Command, together with your experience abroad and education at the U.S. Army War College, have prepared you for this responsibility,” Marcos said.