President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed newly installed Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran to maintain organizational momentum, safeguard troop welfare, and uphold the military’s core values during leadership turnover ceremonies at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City on Tuesday, August 11.
Gumiran assumed command from General Antonio Nafarrete, who was recently named Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Addressing the transition, Marcos highlighted the military’s ongoing strategic pivot toward external defense and territorial protection.
”Continue the mission, preserve the Army’s strong sense of duty and keep faith with our soldiers,” Marcos said.
”You take command as the Army continues the transition towards external defense. Build a force capable of securing the land domain, supporting joint operations, and contributing fully to defending our sovereignty and asserting our territorial integrity,” Marcos added.
The Commander-in-Chief instructed Gumiran to ensure swift troop deployment and operational readiness—particularly as severe monsoon rains and weather disturbances affect communities nationwide.
”Especially now, as many of our communities confront heavy monsoon rains and other calamities. Keep the Army ready to support search, rescue, and relief operations,” Marcos said.
”Be prepared to reach isolated communities, bring families to safety, deliver of food and other essential supplies. When disaster strikes, our people must know that the Army is there to help them,” Marcos added.
”Lead the Army with discipline and integrity. Uphold the Constitution. Protect the trust of the Filipino people,” the President went on.
Marcos expressed full confidence in Gumiran, citing his trajectory from platoon commander to head of the Western Mindanao Command, alongside his international training at the US Army War College.
Emphasizing that personnel remain the core of the armed forces, the President urged the new chief to prioritize soldier welfare while maintaining strict discipline aligned with national defense goals.
”And above all, continue to take care of our soldiers,” he said.
”Equipment can be modernized. Tactics can be refined. But it is our people who carry the mission, who hold the line, and will give meaning to every gain we make as a force,” he added.
”The Filipino people look to you in moments of danger and uncertainty. Carry out your mission with discipline, with restraint, and with compassion. Let your conduct preserve the people’s trust and let love of country give purpose to every sacrifice that you make,” Marcos told the Army.
Concluding his address, the President reassured the military of the administration’s continued support for force modernization and troop welfare programs.
”We will give you the tools to do the job, the support to do it well, and the confidence that the nation stands behind you,” he said.