Speech By President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony In Honor of General Romeo S. Brawner Jr.

Thank you to our National Defense Secretary, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. Before we continue, the troop commander will give the order of tikas pahinga.

The Honorable members of the Cabinet, the esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps, outgoing Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner Jr., the incoming Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Antonio N. Nafarrete, PNP Chief, Jose Melencio Nartates Jr., Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Major service commanders, the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

Today, we witness the passing of the torch.

One distinguished leader concludes his watch, as another assumes the solemn responsibility of leading our Armed Forces. This ceremony marks not only the transition of leadership in the Armed Forces but also an opportunity to honor a soldier whose service has helped strengthen the institution that he now entrusts to the next generation of military leaders.

We honor General Romeo Brawner Jr., whose decorated career reflects discipline, courage, and fidelity to duty.

As the 60th Chief of Staff of the AFP, you became the first military leader to complete the fixed three-year term established under Republic Act No. 11939—a law designed to provide continuity so that reforms and modernization could move forward with steadiness and purpose.

And that stability has produced results.

Under your leadership, the AFP intensified its internal security operations, dismantling communist terrorist guerrilla fronts and significantly reducing the forces of local terrorist groups.

The Armed Forces sustained a steadfast presence in the West Philippine Sea through maritime and air patrols, asserting our sovereignty and sovereign rights.

The AFP also strengthened cooperation with allies and partners, enhanced interoperability through joint exercises, and advanced strategic communications to counter misinformation.

Also you ensured that when calamity struck, the men and women of the AFP stood where they were needed the most—in the front lines, on land, sea, and air—saving lives, facilitating the delivery of relief assistance, and restoring hope.

Through your leadership, the AFP modernized its capabilities, strengthened its readiness, and upheld the highest standards of service.

As you conclude your military career, you leave behind an Armed Forces that is more capable and better prepared for the challenges ahead.

General Brawner, maraming salamat sa iyong tapat at marangal na pagse-serbisyo.

[applause]

Hindi naging madali ang iyong paglilingkod. Ngunit sa bawat pagsubok, ipinakita mo ang katatagan, disiplina, at pagmamahal sa ating bayan.

As you retire from active military service, we know that your devotion to our nation will continue beyond the ranks you have so honorably served.

For service to country is not confined to a uniform or a position; it is for us a lifelong calling.

So, may you continue to serve wherever the next path may lead— carrying with you the same honor, resolve, and integrity that defined your military career.

The Filipino nation thanks you. We salute you. And we wish you and your family every blessing in the years ahead.

As General Brawner concludes a distinguished military career, another leader now takes up the mantle of command.

To Lieutenant General Antonio G. Nafarrete, congratulations.

You now inherit a force made stronger by those who came before you. Your task is now to build upon that.

We are confident that your previous leadership assignments—Commander of the 1st and 6th Infantry Divisions and Western Mindanao Command, and most recently as Commanding General of the Philippine Army—have given you the wisdom and experience needed to lead the AFP.

As your Commander-in-Chief, I assure you that this Administration will continue to invest in the capabilities, readiness, and welfare of our Armed Forces.

The command entrusted to you is great, but the purpose is even greater: to safeguard our people, defend every inch of our land and waters, and secure the future of our Republic.

As we strengthen our defenses, we remain guided by the principle that our ultimate objective is to preserve peace, stability, and prosperity for our people.

The Philippines has always been, and will always remain, a nation that seeks peace.

We adhere to international law. We are a respectful nation that conducts itself with dignity, restraint, and professionalism.

We seek cooperation, but we will never compromise our sovereignty.

We extend friendship to all, but we will never abandon our national dignity.

That has always been the Filipino way. And that will always be our course.

The command changes hands, but the mission remains. And the duty to defend our flag never ends.

Once again, congratulations to our new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay ang Hukbong Sandatahan ng Pilipinas.

Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas.

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