Valdez takes over as head of Philippine Marines

MANILA, Philippines — Maj. Gen. Remigio Valdez took over as head of the Philippine Marines last week in another reshuffle of key military officials.

Valdez was sworn in as Marine commandant, replacing Maj. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo who was earlier named as vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The turnover ceremony was held last Thursday at the Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Tanalgo was appointed to the post after the retirement of Lt. Gen. John Bonafos last October.

Tanalgo’s assumption completed a joint posting of the major services at the top three posts of the military, since Gen. Hernando Iriberri, the AFP chief, is from the Philippine Army, while the chief directorial staff, Maj. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, is from the Philippine Air Force.

The new Marine commandant will be the 28th to lead the Philippine Marine Corps.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, Valdez, 55, hailed from Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and held various positions in the Marines and the Philippine Navy.

Before assuming the post of Marine commandant, Valdez was the naval inspector general of the Philippine Navy. He also served as deputy commandant of the Philippine Marines and as the military’s internal auditor.

Valdez also completed the Assault Pioneer Course at the Infantry School, New South Wales in Australia and the Australian and Military Familiarization Course at the Defense International Training Center.

For his distinguished service, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Stars, Bronze Cross Medals, Military Merit Medals, Military Commendation Medals, Combat Kagitingan Badge, Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Medals. (With a report from Marjorie T. Sia, trainee). SFM