New Navy chief assumes post

(Updated 2:09 p.m.) With President Benigno Aquino III present, new Philippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Alexander Pama assumed his post Tuesday. Pama, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, took over Rear Admiral Danilo Cortez upon the latter's retirement. Cortez, who served as acting Flag Officer in Command of the Navy in May 2010, was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor with the degree of commander in the change of command and retirement ceremonies in the Navy headquarters in Manila. Prior to his appointment as the Navy's 32nd Flag Officer in Command, Pama was vice commander of the Navy and Naval Inspector General. He had also served as commander of the Naval Forces in Western Mindanao and commander of the Navy's Anti-Terrorism Task Group, among others. As commander of the NVWM, he was also concurrent commander of the Joint Task Force Trillium which launched offensives against Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan and Zamboanga. Pama had also served as senior military assistant and chief of staff to former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Aquino's second cousin who ran against him but lost in the last May elections. In his speech, Aquino praised Cortez for his leadership, and said Pama can expect continued support from the Aquino administration. "Makakaasa ka sa suporta ng aking administrasyon. Kasabay ninyo ako sumusulong din sa mga hamong dapat pa nating lagpasan (You can expect support from my administration. I am with you in facing the challenges that we have to overcome)," Aquino said. He reiterated his earlier promise to the Armed Forces of the Philippines that his government will work to provide better equipment and benefits for military personnel. "Mula sa armas hanggang sa barko, mula sa mga benepisyong pangkalusugan hanggang sa mga pabahay, titiyakin nating makakatanggap ng sapat na pabuya at sustento and atin pong hukbong dagat (From arms to ships, from health to housing benefits, we will make sure that our Navy forces will receive enough rewards and allowances)," Aquino said. — RSJ, GMANews.TV