20 Navymen get promoted

Twenty senior officers of the Philippine Navy were promoted to the rank of Navy captain/Marine colonel in a donning of ranks ceremony led by Navy flag officer in command, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo at the Naval Station Jose Andrada, Manila Monday.

Elevated from the rank of commander/lieutenant colonel are Capt. Elmer Toriado, Capt. Remuel Jardinero, Capt. Junmar Sales, Capt. Nerelito Martinez, Capt. Santiago Pacis Jr., Capt. Ariel Halasan, Col. Danilo Facundo, Capt. Leo Dimoc, Capt. Jonathan Salvilla, Capt. Edilberto Balduman, Capt. Lemar de la Calzada, Capt. Reynaldo Lopez, Capt. Jude Joseph Sumpay, Col. Ronald Virtudazo, Col. Jose Marie Santos, Capt. Jim Razo, Col.Dante Robert Grasparil, Capt. Oliver Fernandez, Capt. Venus Gualdaquever, and Col. Esperanza Casiao.

In his speech, Bacordo described the ceremony as “a testament of your commitment to service, exceptional knowledge in your fields of specialization and your leadership capabilities.”

“In exchange for this promotion to higher rank, expect greater responsibility and accountability. Display mastery of skills and facilitate the much-needed systemic changes in the PN as we modernize into a multi-capable naval force” added Bacordo.

This ceremonial donning of ranks serves to mark and celebrate the milestone in the career of these senior officers achieved through their hard work, sacrifice, and invaluable service to our maritime nation.