Mercado takes over as Navy Chief Taccad retires

Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad, outgoing chief of the Philippine Navy, relinquished the leadership of the naval branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph  Mercado on Saturday.

Taccad, who assumed leadership of the Philippine Navy in August 2015, had already reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. He had served the navy for 38 years.

The turnover rites were held at the Sailor Heroes Memorial of the Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City. 

Gen. Ricardo Visaya, AFP Chief of Staff, handed over the Navy's command flag to Mercado, ushering him in as the Navy's Flag Officer In Command (FOIC) in acting capacity.

According to a news release of the AFP, Mercado, who has been in military service for 27 years, is now holding two positions as acting Navy chief and Commander of AFP Western Command.

Mercado, in his speech, said “the Philippine Navy will continue to focus on the development and sustainment of Fleet and Marine forces for operations.”

Mercado is a member of PMA “Matikas” Class of 1983. He had been the Commander of Philippine Fleet, Navy Vice Commander and Chief of Naval Staff.

Mercado is a well decorated military professional and has finished numerous military courses in the Philippines and abroad. — VVP, GMA News