New navy chief named

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has designated Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, the current commander of the Philippine Fleet, as the incoming flag-officer-in-command of the Navy.

Bacordo will be taking over from Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad in a command turnover to be presided over by President Duterte at Navy headquarters along Roxas Boulevard on Monday.

The salutatorian of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987 will be replacing Empedrad, who will be retiring upon reaching the military’s retirement age of 56.

Duterte’s choosing Bacordo out of four contenders was made known last night.

Aside from being fleet commander, Bacordo has occupied key positions in the Navy, including an assignment to oversee operations in Western Mindanao against lawless groups such as the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The new designation is expected to trigger changes in the Navy leadership.

“I thank the President, defense department and the Armed Forces of the Philippines leaderships, for their trust and confidence in me to lead our Navy,” Bacordo said.