New Navy chief assumes post today, vows to prioritize modernization program

MANILA, Philippines - Incoming Navy Flag Officer-In-Command Rear Adm. Alexander Pama will formally assume his post today in turnover rites to be presided by President Aquino.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said the change-of-command ceremony would be held at 9 a.m. at the Navy headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Pama, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class ’79, will succeed outgoing Navy chief Rear Adm. Danilo Cortez, who has reached the mandatory retirement age.

Pama vowed to prioritize programs that would uplift the morale of Navy personnel and upgrade the capability of the troops.

“We will focus on programs that will benefit our personnel. We will continue existing programs and push for the capability upgrade of the Navy,” he said in an interview.

The new Navy flag officer said uplifting the morale of troops and maintaining discipline among soldiers are important in accomplishing the Navy’s mission.

Navy spokesman Capt. Giovanni Bacordo said Pama is qualified for the post due to his extensive experience in both office and field assignments.

“We welcome his (Pama) appointment positively. He is a strategic thinker. He thinks out of the box and has a far-reaching vision for the Navy,” Bacordo said.

After the turnover rites, the President will hold a command conference with military officers to discuss the new security plan “Bayanihan.”

The new defense plan focuses on developmental programs designed to curb the roots of rebellion like poverty.

Pama’s appointment was announced last Sunday during the New Year’s call of the military on Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Camp Aguinaldo.

Prior to his designation as Navy chief, Pama handled key military positions like Navy vice-commander, the second highest officer in the major service, Navy inspector-general, and Naval Forces Western Mindanao chief.

He was also head of the Task Force Trillium, a joint military and police group formed to address the abduction incidents in Basilan. Pama also served as the commanding officer of six Navy vessels.

Mabanta said Pama’s designation as Navy chief is part of a fresh wave of military leadership changes to be implemented in the first quarter.

“The reassignments would be significant. If you remove someone on top, it will cascade down below,” Mabanta said. “There will be new faces to be posted. This will be forthcoming. Because of attrition and retirement we have to fill in vacancies.”

He said among the posts to be vacated is that of the AFP chief of staff since Gen. Ricardo David Jr. is scheduled to hang up his uniform in March.

“All generals are automatically candidates for chief of staff,” he said.

A member of PMA class ’77, David assumed his post last July 2 and was the first chief of staff under the Aquino administration.

David succeeded then acting AFP chief Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa, who assumed the post after former chief Gen. Delfin Bangit availed of early retirement last June 22. 

Bangit was forced to retire early after Mr. Aquino announced that he would not be retained as AFP chief.