MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta as the new chief of the Philippine Navy.
Ezpeleta succeeded Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., who wrapped up his two-year tour of duty on Friday.
The President led the Philippine Navy Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in honor of Adaci at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991, Ezpeleta has a distinguished career, having served as the 65th Chief of Naval Staff and the Commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon.
Meanwhile, Adaci took the helm as the 40th Flag Officer-in-Command of the country’s premier naval force in 2022.
Under his leadership, the Philippine Navy prioritized safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and maritime interests.
He also focused on sustaining gains under the Philippine Navy Sail Plan 2028, enhancing training, streamlining the organization, advancing bases development and promoting a self-reliant defense posture.
Adaci is a graduate of the PMA ‘Makatao’ Class of 1989. He has held various positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines after nearly 40 years of dedicated service in the military, such as Commander of the Naval Forces of Western Mindanao and key Navy positions that include Commander of Naval Installation Command, Commander of Fleet-Marine Ready and Fleet Inspector General.
