President Ferdinand Marcos Jr officially handed over the leadership of the Philippine Navy to Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, urging him to lead with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to protecting the country’s maritime interests.

The ceremonial change of command took place at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila on November 15, marking a pivotal transition for the Navy’s future.

In his speech, Marcos recognized Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr’s contributions during his two-year tenure, highlighting his modernization initiatives and efforts to strengthen regional partnerships.

Adaci, who retired after nearly 40 years of dedicated military service, had served as the Philippine Navy chief since November 2022.

Marcos expressed confidence that Ezpeleta would continue the Navy’s upward trajectory while confronting the growing complexities of maritime security.

“His commitment, leadership, and vision have significantly strengthened our naval capabilities and enhanced our readiness to face the rapidly evolving challenges of today,” Marcos said, referring to Adaci. “He was exactly what this country needed: mild-mannered and calm.”

The president commended Adaci’s unshakeable composure in navigating provocations and tensions, emphasizing his critical role in asserting the Philippines’ maritime rights while fostering peace and stability.

“It is through his leadership that we remain firm in asserting our rights in the maritime domain while keeping to our responsibility of safeguarding lives and promoting regional peace and stability,” he added.

Marcos detailed Adaci’s achievements, which included modernizing the Navy with advanced assets and technologies. These improvements bolstered the Navy’s defense posture and enhanced its capacity for humanitarian and disaster response missions.

“Vice Admiral Adaci strengthened the Philippine Navy as an institution by lifting the morale of all officers, troops, and civilian personnel,” Marcos noted. “He prioritized their training, growth, and welfare, ensuring that the women and men of the Navy remained professional and capable of answering the call of duty.”

Marcos also acknowledged Adaci’s success in building international partnerships. He said that by solidifying ties with allies and promoting collaborative peace initiatives, Adaci had strengthened the country’s position in maritime zones. To honor these contributions, the president awarded him the Philippine Legion of Honor, Degree of Commander.

New Philippine Navy Chief Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.

Stronger presence in Philippine waters

Marcos then shifted his focus to Rear Admiral Ezpeleta, expressing confidence in his leadership. “Your predecessors are always difficult acts to follow, but given your competence, your experience, and mental fortitude, I am confident you will continue to lead the Navy with integrity and surpass any challenges that you might confront,” Marcos said.

Ezpeleta, who previously served as vice commander and chief of staff, accepted his new role with a commitment to sustaining the Navy’s momentum. He vowed to strengthen the Navy’s presence in Philippine waters and uphold the nation’s sovereignty.

“Surely there are rough seas that we may be sailing through in the future. When those moments come, it is our relentless commitment and steadfast duty that will allow us to stay on course and remain full speed ahead, to act in concert to defend our national interests, protect our people, and safeguard our waters,” Ezpeleta said in his assumption speech, without specifically mentioning China and the West Philippine Sea.

Ezpeleta emphasized the need to shift focus toward external defense, in line with the administration’s comprehensive archipelagic defense strategy. He stressed the volatile and uncertain environment the Navy operates in, describing it as increasingly becoming a “brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible one.”

“This reorientation requires us to intensify our maritime security operations by strengthening our presence in operational areas,” Ezpeleta said. “We will continue to enhance our support to unified commands and push for the optimum deployment of our naval assets and personnel.”

He also reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to modernization, focusing on developing capabilities, improving naval bases and facilities, and enhancing maritime domain awareness.

The new Navy chief stressed the importance of international cooperation, calling for adherence to international law and the 2016 arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea.

“Aligned with our independent foreign policy, the Philippines will diversify and enhance relations with traditional and newfound partners,” he explained. “This translates the continuous harnessing of engagements with our naval counterparts, allowing us to use our assets, train interoperability, and put forward the importance of international law and the United Nations arbitral ruling,” Ezpeleta added. 

As the Philippine Navy moves forward under Ezpeleta’s leadership, it aims to maintain its crucial role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and promoting stability in the region. This leadership transition reaffirms the Navy’s commitment to modernization and its evolving mission in an increasingly complex security environment.

All photos credit: Philippine Navy

Top photo: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr presides over the Change of Command Ceremony at the Navy Headquarters in Manila on November 15, as Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr (left) hands over leadership to Rear Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta (right).