MANILA, Aug. 11 (PIA)–President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence over the over the Philippine Navy’s capability in addressing country’s security concerns.
“Pagdating sa seguridad ng ating bansa, napapanatag ang ating loob dahil andiyan ang buong pwersa ng ating Sandatahang Lakas kabilang na ang Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas,” Aquino said during the Philippine Navy’s Change of Command ceremony at its headquarters in Roxas Boulevard.
During the occasion, Aquino also directed the Rear Admiral Caesar C. Taccad who replaced Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan as the new Flag-Officer-in –Command of the Philippine Navy to maximize the naval force’s limited resources to address security threats, amid China’s increasing efforts to stake its claim in the West Philippine Sea.
“Hindi biro ang hinaharap mong tungkulin. Masalimuot ang mga hinaharap na pagsubok na ating bansa,” Aquino told the during the ceremony.
“Kailangan mong balansehin ang kapasidad ng ating hukbo sa pagtugon sa mga banta sa ating seguridad,” Aquino said.
Taccad who served the Chief of Naval Staff and subsequently became the Vice Commander.
He has been in the active military service since 1982, after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy “SANDIGAN” Class of 1982.
He is a recipient of three (3) Distinguished Service Stars, four (4) “Gawad Kaunlaran” Medal, eight (8) Military Merit Medals, three (3) Military Commendation Medals and a lot more. (PIA-NCR/RJB/SDL)