PRESIDENT Duterte has designated Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for education, training and doctrine Rear Adm. Antonio Palces as the Navy’s No. 2 man or vice commander.
Palces assumed his new post last Monday in rites presided over by Navy chief Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado. He replaced Maj. Gen. Nestor Herico, who took over as the commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps last February 21.
Palces, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1990, is described by the Navy’s public affairs office as an “accomplished sailor and commanding officer.”
Before his assumption as AFP deputy chief of staff for education, training and doctrine in April last year, Palces commanded the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao. He has also served as commander of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon.
Bordado, in his address during the turnover ceremony, commended Herico for doing a good job as Navy vice commander since June last year.
Bordado said Herico’s “competence and dedication to delivering on his duties has enabled me to do my job as the Flag Officer in Command with so much ease” and “better perform my function of managing the internal and external affairs of the Navy smoothly and placidly.”
Bordado said Herico left Palces big shoes to fill. Bordado vouched for Palces’ abilities and brand of leadership which he said will allow Palces “to be as steadfast and hands-on” Navy vice commander.
Palces, as the Navy vice commander, will act as the principal assistant of the Navy chief in the formulation and implementation of policies.
The military has yet to announce Palces’ successor as AFP deputy chief of staff for education, training and doctrine.
