MANILA, Philippines — Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, Philippine Navy chief, was unceremoniously relieved from his post yesterday for still unknown reasons and reassigned on a floating status to the office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief at Camp Aguinaldo. He was replaced in an acting capacity by Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad, the former AFP deputy chief of staff for retirees and reservists (J9). (In) the change of command ceremony this morning, the Navy extends its gratitude to Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado for his dedicated service rendered as the Flag Officer in Command,” Navy spokesman Capt. Vice Admiral Mercado was expected to serve out his remaining three months in the service. Empedrad assumed the helm of the Navy in command turn-over rites held at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo yesterday morning.

Source: Philippine Star December 19, 2017 16:07 UTC