SEVEN Navy and Marine officers have been promoted to the next higher rank., including two who are playing key roles in efforts to protect the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea.
The officers were led by Commodore Vincent Sibala, commander of the Western Naval Command (WNC) based in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, who is now a read admiral, and Capt. Francisco Cacho, WNC deputy commander, who was promoted to commodore.
The WNC oversees naval operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), particularly at the Palawan side, including in the nine features occupied by the Philippines.
Also promoted from commodore to rear admiral was Constancio Reyes Jr, commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Command.
Promoted from captain to commodore were Junjie Tabuada, deputy commander of the Navy’s Philippine Fleet; Estelito Lagadia Jr, deputy commander of the Naval Installation Command; and Lorenzo Bolor Jr, Chief of Fleet Staff.
Promoted from colonel to brigadier general was Einstein Calapa Jr, Chief of the Marine Staff.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta presided over the donning of ranks ceremony for the seven officers at the Navy headquarters in Manila last Wednesday.
Ezpeleta urged the officers to uphold the highest standards of leadership and service.
“Take to heart your obligation to contribute to the welfare and overall readiness of our personnel. Most importantly, remember that your mentorship and daily conduct shall serve as a powerful influence to those you lead,” he said.
“Hence, I expect no less than the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, and integrity from all of you,” added Ezpeleta.
