Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Antonio Nafarrete emphasized the importance of mental health and personnel welfare in maintaining military readiness during the AFP Mental Health Lay Forum 2026 held on November 6 at Camp Aguinaldo.
Nafarrete urged military commanders and unit leaders to strengthen mental health support systems and create an environment where personnel can seek assistance without fear of discrimination or unfair treatment.
“As members of the Armed Forces, we have a responsibility to look after our personnel,” Nafarrete said.
The forum, themed “Stop the Next Shot: Unmasking Nihilistic Violence Extremism (NVE), Online Grooming and School Shootings,” brought together military personnel and guest panelists to discuss mental health awareness, emerging security concerns, and the importance of psychological well-being.
Through panel discussions, dialogues, and an open forum, participants examined issues involving violent extremism, online grooming, and school shootings while highlighting the role of mental health awareness and support within the military organization.
Nafarrete stressed that protecting the welfare of military personnel is an essential responsibility of leadership, alongside maintaining discipline and operational effectiveness.
He encouraged commanders to foster a culture of understanding and support, particularly for personnel experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties.
The AFP said it remains committed to strengthening mental health awareness across its ranks and encouraging service members to seek professional assistance when necessary.
The military also aims to promote a workplace environment where personnel feel supported and where mental health concerns can be addressed without stigma.
The forum formed part of the AFP’s continuing efforts to strengthen personnel welfare and maintain a force capable of responding to the country’s defense and security requirements.
