Upgrading The Philippine Navy will soon have additional modern equipment to help better protect the country’s maritime interests. File Photo

To better perform its mandate as it takes a more active and critical role in securing the country’s maritime interests, the Philippine Navy (PN) over the weekend effected the reorganization of some of its top officials.

Flag officer in command Vice-Admiral Robert Empedrad said the movements of senior officials occupying key positions were part of their preparations for modernization.

Empedrad added they are conducting organizational development as they expect to receive new equipment and other capability-enhancement gears within the year.

Some of the equipment they expect to receive are two AW159 anti-submarine helicopters, Pohang Class Corvette and eight amphibious assault vehicles for the Philippine Marine Corps.

The PN will also acquire new ships as it intends to take a more active role in securing the country’s maritime interests.

Those affected by the revamp are Commodore Alberto Carlos who took over the helm of the Naval Combat Engineering Brigade as Commodore Francisco Gabudao bowed out from the naval service.

Capt. Danilo Aguit, meanwhile, will take over the command of Bonifacio Naval Station from Col. Noel Beleran, who is now the deputy commander for operations of Fleet Marine Ready Force.

Capt. Diosdado Caluya will be the new commander of the naval logistics center while Capt. Francisco Tagamolila was named as the new chief of staff of Naval Forces West.

Tagamolila will turn over his former post as the director of ONSS to Col. Bayani Curaming.

Capt. Estilito Lagadia Jr., the former commanding officer of BRP Tarlac (LD601) assumed as the new commander of Navy Personnel Management Center.

Empedrad said these support units and staff are critical in sustaining the navy’s modernization program and further ensure that needed systems and procedures are in place before the actual arrival of new equipment.

He added the assignment of key officers to these critical units and offices ensures the placement of the right persons to the right jobs as they ascend the hierarchy of command.