MANILA, Philippines - The new flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy has assumed his post.
Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, commander of the Palawan-based Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Command (AFP-Wescom), took over as Navy chief during ceremonies held at the Sailors Heroes Memorial at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City yesterday.
Mercado replaced Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad, who reached the mandatory age of retirement.
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya presided over the turnover ceremony.
Mercado is concurrent chief of the AFP-Wescom, which has jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, until his replacement is named.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, vice commander of the Philippine Army has also retired.
Pangilinan was commander of the 6th Infantry Division (ID) based in Awang, Maguindanao when the massacre of 44 Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano occurred.
He turned over the post to Maj. Gen. Harold Cabreros, commander of the Capiz-based 3rd ID, at Fort Bonifacio yesterday.
Col. Benjamin Hao, Army spokesman, said Brig. Gen. Jon Aying would take over as 3rd ID commander.