COVID-19 keeps Navy reshuffle rites low-key

MANILA, Philippines — A major reshuffle of some of the Philippine Navy’s key commands has taken place on Friday (March 20).

But because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Navy held a low-key event in its headquarters in Manila instead of “the usually elaborate and separate ceremonies” that accompany these changes of assignments.

It was “simplified into a joint undertaking with the participants observing health protocols of social distancing and wearing of face masks amid the COVID-19 threat,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ma. Christina Roxas, acting director of the naval public affairs office.

Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command (NETDC) chief Rear Adm. Loumer Bernabe took the reins of the Philippine Fleet, which is in charge of the Navy’s surface platforms, aircraft and special operations assets.

He replaced acting Fleet commander Commo. Wilfredo Burgonio, who was retiring after 36 years of military service.

As the deputy commander of the Fleet, Burgonio filled in the role as the unit’s acting commander after Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo was appointed as Navy chief in February.

Naval Inspector General Rear Adm. Sean Anthony Villa will replace Bernabe at the NETDC based in Zambales.

Naval Installation Command chief Commo. Nichols Driz will take the post vacated by Villa as inspector general.

The ceremony was presided by chief of naval staff Rear Adm. Rey dela Cruz.

Edited by TSB