Fleet commander Rear Adm. Bacordo will be the next Navy chief –DND

Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo will be the next Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy.

This was confirmed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to GMA News Online on Friday night.

Bacordo will replace Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, who is set to retire on February 3.

Bacordo, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1987, assumed command of the Philippine Fleet last year. He previously served as the commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command.

"Having previously served as the commander of the Philippine Fleet, we are confident that Rear Adm. Bacordo's extensive experience, impeccable service record, and proven expertise will propel our navy forward as it continues to modernize, improve its capabilities, and face maritime security challenges of our country," said National Defense Department spokesman Arsenio Andolong.

Andolong also thanked Empedrad "for his service and wish him all the best after his retirement."

Empedrad became  Navy chief in January 2018. — DVM, GMA News