Marcos tells Gumiran: Keep the Army readyPresident Marcos leads the 68th Philippine Army change of command ceremony for outgoing Philippine Army chief Antonio Nafarrete and incoming Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran, at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig on August 11, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos directed newly installed Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran to ensure his troops’ readiness to respond to disasters and develop a force capable of defending Philippine sovereignty. “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. Marcos said Gumiran is assuming his post as the Army continues its transition toward external defense. He called on the new Army chief to build a force capable of securing the land domain, supporting joint operations and contributing fully to defending Philippine sovereignty and asserting its territorial integrity.