MANILA, Philippines — The "unusual and unceremonious" relief of the Philippine Navy chief could have been due to the issue on the frigate acquisition project of the unit, Magdalo party-list said. "I have received information from various sources about anomaly in the ongoing procurement of frigates in the Navy," Alejano said, vowing to file a resolution requesting the House national defense and security panel to conduct a hearing on the issue. Col. Edgard Arevalo, the military's spokesperson, said the reason for the change of command would be "explained in due time." Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1According to Alejano, the circumstances surrounding Mercado's relief were odd. Many of its leaders, including Alejano and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, were jailed after they were foiled by Arroyo's military and police.

Source: Philippine Star December 19, 2017 13:07 UTC