ISLAMABAD, 27 June 2026—The Office of the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché (OPhilDAFA), in coordination with the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Islamabad, hosted a Hail and Farewell Reception on 27 June 2026 at the Best Western Premier Hotel, Islamabad, honoring the distinguished service of outgoing Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Colonel Renato N. Narag, PA (GSC), while formally welcoming his successor, Colonel Exequiel L. Tidor, PA (GSC).
The ceremony gathered members of the diplomatic corps, defense attachés, senior officials of the Pakistan Armed Forces, representatives of partner institutions, and friends of the Philippines in a celebration of enduring friendship, professional camaraderie, and defense cooperation between the Philippines and Pakistan.
In his farewell address, Colonel Narag reflected on his tour of duty in Pakistan, highlighting significant milestones that strengthened bilateral defense relations, including participation in the AMAN Multinational Naval Exercises, visits to the Line of Control (LOC) and key defense establishments, engagements with the Pakistan Armed Forces, and participation in strategic security discussions such as the International Pakistan Defence Seminar (IPDS) at the National Defence University.
While recalling these official accomplishments, Colonel Narag emphasized that the most meaningful aspects of defense diplomacy were often found beyond formal meetings and military engagements. Sharing lighthearted anecdotes from his experiences, he underscored that trust is built through genuine friendships, cultural exchanges, and shared moments among colleagues from different nations.
He likewise paid tribute to the Embassy’s One Country Team, acknowledging the close cooperation among the Embassy’s political, economic, consular, police, and defense components in advancing Philippine interests in Pakistan. He expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez, the Embassy personnel, fellow defense attachés, and Pakistan’s defense establishment for their trust, friendship, and support throughout his assignment.
Colonel Narag also recognized the often unseen but indispensable role played by military spouses, describing them as the “real logistics officers” behind every successful overseas mission. His heartfelt acknowledgment highlighted the invaluable sacrifices made by families who quietly support officers serving their country abroad.
During the ceremony, Colonel Narag presented Plaques of Appreciation to distinguished partners and individuals in recognition of their valuable support in advancing defense cooperation and fostering stronger bilateral relations between the Philippines and Pakistan.
After being introduced as the incoming Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, Colonel Exequiel L. Tidor expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him and conveyed his commitment to building upon the strong foundation established by his predecessor. He reaffirmed his readiness to further strengthen defense cooperation, military-to-military engagements, and institutional partnerships between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Pakistan Armed Forces.
In his inspirational message, Ambassador Fernandez paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of the OPhilDAFA in advancing defense diplomacy, emphasizing that much of diplomacy’s most important work is carried out quietly through the trust, confidence, and stability built by defense and military cooperation behind the scenes. He commended Colonel Narag for his dedicated service in strengthening Philippines–Pakistan defense relations and recognized the Office’s steadfast commitment to promoting peace, security, and mutual understanding between the two countries.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the often-unrecognized sacrifices made by military spouses, paying special tribute to Ms. Fely Narag and Ms. Gina Montuerto, whose unwavering support, strength, and partnership, he noted, had been instrumental to Colonel Narag and MSgt. Francisco Montuerto’s successful tour of duty. He observed that behind every accomplished public servant is often a spouse whose quiet sacrifices make such service possible, underscoring the indispensable role of women whose contributions, though not measured in monetary terms, form the backbone of many families and successful careers in public service.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Fernandez welcomed Colonel Tidor’s assumption of duty and expressed confidence that he would continue strengthening the close defense partnership between the Philippines and Pakistan. In emphasizing the importance of defense diplomacy in preserving peace, the Ambassador recalled the words of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who said, “The only way to win the next world war is to prevent it,” noting that the enduring mission of defense cooperation is not the pursuit of conflict, but its prevention through dialogue, trust, and sustained partnership.
The evening concluded with fellowship, dinner, and renewed expressions of commitment to strengthening defense cooperation, professional exchanges, and the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Pakistan. Beyond the formal program, the gathering transformed into a lively celebration of camaraderie, with spontaneous singing, dancing, and lighthearted comedic performances that reflected the Filipino spirit of joy, warmth, and hospitality. Characteristic of Filipino gatherings, the evening demonstrated that while diplomacy and defense cooperation are built through professionalism and shared strategic objectives, they are equally strengthened through genuine friendships, cultural exchange, and moments of laughter that bring people together beyond official engagements.
The Hail and Farewell Reception thus highlighted the enduring importance of defense diplomacy as an integral component of Philippine foreign policy, reaffirming the shared commitment of the Philippines and Pakistan to peace, security, mutual respect, and regional stability, while celebrating the friendships and partnerships that continue to strengthen bilateral relations. END
