PHILIPPINE Fleet commander Rear Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado was installed commander of the Western Command on Monday with the principal task of protecting the West Philippine Sea, particularly the Kalayaan Island Group.
Mercado, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class 1983, replaced Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez (PMA “Sandigan” Class ’82) who retired April 29, but will remain fleet commander until his successor is named.
Marine Brig. Gen. Elvin Hermogino, who assumed the Westcom post after Lopez’ retirement, will re-assume his earlier position of vice WestCom chief.
Both Mercado and Hermogino are from Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983.
Mercado, who was Philippine Fleet commander before he was assigned to Westcom, will keep his position at the Philippine Fleet in a concurrent capacity until his replacement is named.
Outgoing acting AFP chief of staff Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda presided over the change of command ceremony at WestCom.
This coming July, Miranda will slide back to his concurrent position as vice chief of staff when Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya assumed his post as AFP chief of staff as announced by President-elect Rodrgio Duterte.
With his appointment to an area command position, Mercado will soon pass on to his successor the command flag of the Philippine Fleet. Mercado had command and staff positions in the Navy and the AFP General Headquarters.