Oath-taking ceremony of the newly promoted AFP Generals & Flag Officers and FPCTI Graduate – Screen grabbed from RTVM’s livestream (January 7, 2026)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reminded newly promoted generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of their greater responsibilities as the country navigates regional security challenges.
The President administered the oath of office to over 30 officers, including a Foreign Pre-Commissioned Training Institution (FPCTI) graduate, at Malacañang Palace.
“Your promotion reflects the Republic’s confidence in your judgment, in your command, and your ability to lead amidst pressure and uncertainty,” Marcos said, highlighting the weight of their new roles.
He called on the officers to approach leadership with discipline and integrity, and to safeguard public resources to ensure every peso contributes to capability and readiness.
Marcos also emphasized that higher rank comes with the responsibility to set standards for others: “This principle, when translated into action, will guide you to approach every challenge with integrity, with discipline, and with honor.”
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of AFP personnel, following the signing of the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026. Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino and AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. were present at the ceremony.
The newly promoted generals and flag officers are:
- Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran | Commander, Western Mindanao Command, AFP
- Lt. Gen. Arvin R. Lagamon | Commander, Civil-Military Operations Command, AFP
- Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio | Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP
- MGen. Vicente Mark Anthony P. Blanco III | Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps, AFP
- RAdm. Vincent J. Sibala | Commander, Western Naval Command, PN
- MGen. Leo Edward Y. Caranto | Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4, AFP
- MGen. Gregorio B. Hernandez Jr. | Commander, National Capital Region Command, AFP
- RAdm. Richard N. Gonzaga | Commander, Northern Luzon Naval Command, PN
- BGen. Emil J. Cruz | Commander, 901st Infantry Brigade, PA
- 2Lt. Rafael Ceclio B. Muñoz | United States Military Academy (FPCTI graduate)
