Member of PMA Class 1979 is new Philippine Fleet commander

MANILA, Philippines – A member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1979 was installed commander of the Philippine Fleet yesterday.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo David installed Rear Adm. Jose Luis Alano, former Naval Staff chief, in turnover rites at the Navy Beaching Area in Sangley Point, Cavite.

Rear Adm. Geronimo Defensor, a member of PMA Class of 1976, retired yesterday after reaching the age of 56.

As Philippine Fleet commander, Alano would be in charge of key Navy units: the Ready Force, Service Force, Patrol Force, and Assault Craft Force; one support group, a Fleet Support Group; and two special units — the Naval Air Group and Naval Special Warfare Group.

Other members of PMA Class ’79 occupying key military positions are Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Gaudencio Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Anthony Alcantara, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Brig. Gen. Romulo Bambao, and AFP deputy chief for intelligence Maj. Gen. Francisco Cruz Jr.

Alano’s designation as Philippine Fleet commander signaled minor changes in the Navy’s command, with Commodore Edgar Abogado, former Naval Forces Northern Luzon commander, taking over as Naval Staff chief.

Brig. Gen. Ramiro Alivio, Marine Service Support Brigade commander, is up for designation next month as Navy Inspector General.

Vice Adm. Alexander Pama will become the Navy’s vice commander, a post to be vacated by Rear Adm. Roberto Estioko, who is scheduled to retire on Nov. 9.

The changes will also affect the Navy’s Public Information Office.

Navy insiders said the Navy PIO post would be occupied by Marine Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan in an acting capacity.

Public information chief Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo will go schooling abroad.