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Casem takes over as Marines commandant


Major General Nathaniel Casem formally assumed post as the new commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps on Monday.

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad graced the turnover ceremony, which was held at the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters in Taguig City.

Casem, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Hinirang” Class of 1987, replaced Major General Alvin Parreño, who belongs to “Sinagtala” Class of 1986.

In his speech, Casem said the Marine Corps should be developed in order to be more responsive and more capable in the duties.

“We must be first on the ground and the first to respond as we always take pride to be combatants to fight battles during crisis situations,” Casem said.

Casem further said developing the Marine Corps was not the sole task of the group.

“We need to understand that we have to work within the context of fleet marine concept. We need to seek tighter integration with the Philippine Fleet...” he said.

Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Noel Clement earlier said Parreño was going to step down ahead of his scheduled retirement in March 2020 for personal reasons.

But, according to Empedrad, Parreño did not avail of early retirement, adding that the latter would be assigned at the office of the flag officer in command.

Empedrad also denied that there was "bad blood" between him and Parreño, which was rumored to be behind his leaving early.

In his speech during the ceremony, Empedrad expressed gratitude to Parreño for his outstanding service in the Philippine Marine Corps.

Empedrad also expressed confidence that Casem will be able to lead the corps with excellence.

“You are chosen to lead a very important unit of the Navy. I ask you to do your best, not only the equal but surpass what your predecessor has accomplished,” Empedrad said. —NB/BM, GMA News

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