(UPDATE) Air Force's new chief assumes post

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III formally announced today the appointment of Major General Jeffrey Delgado as the 33rd commanding general of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Delgado succeeded Lieutenant General Oscar Rabena who relinquished his command five days before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Aquino witnessed the turnover ceremony at Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, in the northern Philippine province of Batangas.

In his speech, Aquino said he is optimistic that Delgado's experience will ensure that PAF will achieve more successes in its modernization campaign.

For his part, Delgado vowed to lead PAF, which is considered one of the weakest in Southeast Asia, to "new heights."

Prior to his appointment, the new PAF chief served as deputy chief of staff for Plans with Philippine armed forces. Delgado is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982.