David is new AFP chief of staff

MANILA, Philippines -- Lt. Gen. Ricardo David Jr. last Friday assumed officially as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of Staff.

During the change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, David replaced Lt. Gen. Nestor Ochoa who has been in the post in an acting capacity after Gen. Delfin Bangit retired early in the military service.

The ceremony was attended by President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, members of his Cabinet, members of the diplomatic corps, and the civilian and military personnel of the AFP.

During the turnover rites, Aquino inspected the troops who were in formation at the AFP parade ground.

It was followed by the symbolic turnover of the military flag to David.

David, 55,who relinquished his post as the head of the Northern Luzon Command, was former head of the Presidential Security Group during the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino.