35 Navy officials promoted

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Navy promoted 35 of its officials yesterday.

In a statement, the Navy said the 35 officials were given their rank insignias during the Monday morning colors at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila.

Promoted to the rank of Navy captain were Commanders Rommel Jude Ong, Rey de la Cruz, Erick Kagaoan, Loumer Bernabe, Rosauro Sarmiento, Noel de Vera, Rommel Jayson Galang, Adeluis Bordado, Joseph Melvin Guevarra, Alberto Cruz, Ramil Roberto Enriquez, Opiniano Jayme Jr., Restituto Bilbao Jr., Rigoberto Banta, Francisco Gabudao, Socimo de Guzman Jr., Reginald Rapanan, Alberto Carlos, Nichols Driz, Elpidio Francisco, Cesar Martinez, Rufino Arias Jr., Ruel Saonoy, Renato Yongque, and Carlito Barizo.

Bestowed the rank of colonel were Lt. Cols. Elmer Estilles, Martin Villasan, Nathaniel Casem, Eugene Erwin Martinez, Fernando Gomez, Ferdinand Fraginal, Raul Jesus Caldez, Ariel Caculitan, Jeson Cabatbat and Jose Cabanban.

The Navy said President Arroyo approved the interim appointment on Feb. 6.

Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue, who led the giving of the rank insignias, called on the newly-promoted officials to be focused and vigorous in performing their responsibilities as senior officers. – Alexis Romero