Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. has formally assumed his post as the new Philippine Navy’s flag officer in command.
Adaci replaced Rear Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia who served as the acting Navy chief for two months.
According to Adaci, he already accepted the challenges he will face in his post, including the ongoing dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
“We will continue with our mandate to protect our seas and littorals, and we will always seek the assistance of the appropriate government department to deal with foreign relations,” Adaci said.
He also assured the continuity of his predecessors’ programs.
“We are just instruments of the government and we should abide by the directions in terms of foreign policy,” Adaci added. –Report from Patrick de Jesus/KC – gb