MANILA, Philippines – The new commander of naval forces in Eastern Mindanao has vowed to beef up security in the country's southern backdoor, which has been used as a transit point for terror and transnational crime suspects, a spokesman for the Philippine Navy said Friday.

Captain Rosauro Gonzales took over from Commodore Josefino Solidum in ceremonies in Davao City on Friday morning. Navy Flag Officer-in-Command, Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag, presided over the turnover rites, Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Caculitan said.

Solidum was appointed commander of the Naval Sea Systems in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City, the spokesman said.

Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao’s (NFEM) area includes Sarangani Bay, the Eastern Mindanao Sea, and the waters off the Caraga region, which is also a rich tuna fishing ground, Caculitan said.

Before his new assignment, Gonzales was deputy commander of naval forces in Southern Luzon.

"Captain Gonzales said he intends to boost the maritime security in the eastern part of the nation's porous southern backdoor," Caculitan said.

Solidum was commended for "helping curb down maritime crimes last year and for tightening the nation's porous southeastern borders shared by Malaysia and the Philippines," Caculitan said.

During Solidum's short eight-month term, he apprehended more than 381 felons for smuggling, piracy, illegal fishing, and illegal logging.

He also engineered the reconstruction and repair of more than 82 buildings and utilities within his command.