Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Antonio G. Nafarrete on Friday placed mental health and personnel welfare at the center of military readiness, delivering a message to commanders and unit leaders during the AFP Mental Health Lay Forum 2026 at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
At a glance
- Event: AFP Mental Health Lay Forum 2026, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, November 6, 2026
- Theme: "Stop the Next Shot: Unmasking Nihilistic Violence Extremism (NVE), Online Grooming and School Shootings"
- Format: panel discussion, dialogue and open forum with guest panelists
- Message: AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete urged commanders to let personnel seek help without fear of unfair treatment
- Certificates: led by The Surgeon General AFP, Brig. Gen. Fatima Claire S. Navarro
- Source: AFP Public Affairs Office press release, November 7, 2026
The forum, held on November 6, 2026, brought together participants and guest panelists to address mental health awareness and support within the military organization through a panel discussion, dialogue, and open forum, according to the AFP Public Affairs Office.
Forum Centers on Emerging Threats to Personnel Well-Being
The event carried the theme: "Stop the Next Shot: Unmasking Nihilistic Violence Extremism (NVE), Online Grooming and School Shootings"
Nafarrete Calls on Commanders to Foster Safe Environment
General Nafarrete used the forum to issue a direct appeal to those in leadership positions across the AFP's ranks.
"As members of the Armed Forces, we have a responsibility to look after our personnel," General Nafarrete said, calling on commanders and unit leaders to foster an environment where personnel can seek assistance without fear of unfair treatment.
Surgeon General Leads Recognition of Forum Contributors
Brigadier General Fatima Claire S. Navarro, the Surgeon General of the AFP, led the awarding of certificates to guest speakers, panelists, and facilitators, according to the AFP Public Affairs Office.
AFP Commits to Culture of Care Across Its Ranks
The AFP said it is committed to strengthening a culture of care, understanding, and support among its ranks by promoting mental health awareness and encouraging personnel to seek help when needed, according to the Public Affairs Office statement.
The forum's panel discussion format allowed for direct dialogue between speakers and military participants, with an open forum segment providing personnel an opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions in a structured setting.
Photo credit: Photos by SSg Ambay PA & PO3 Gonzales PN / PAOAFP