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AFP relieves Navy chief

Claire Cornelio, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/12/19/20170531-duterte-navy-mnib-14.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado joins President Rodrigo Duterte and other military officials at the Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) in Davao del Sur following its commissioning during the 119th Anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City on May 31, 2017. <em>Malacañang Photo</em></figcaption></figure></div><div> </div><p>MANILA - Philippine Navy commander Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado on Tuesday was replaced as head of the Navy and reassigned to the office of the military chief. </p><p>The military confirmed this in a statement, saying Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero replaced him in heed of orders from higher-ups.</p><p>The AFP did not disclose the reason for Mercado&#x27;s relief. </p><p>&quot;The AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero has implemented the instructions from higher authorities to assign VADM Ronald Joseph Mercado to the office of the chief-of-staff,&quot; AFP spokesperson Marine Col. Edgardo Arevalo said in a statement.</p><p>&quot;The reason for this Change-of-Command will be explained in due time,&quot; the statement read.</p><p>Mercado was replaced by Rear Admiral Robert Empedrad as acting flag officer-in-command.</p>

<p>Philippine Navy commander Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado on Tuesday was replaced as head of the Navy and reassigned to the office of the military chief. </p>

Philippine Navy commander Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado on Tuesday was replaced as head of the Navy and reassigned to the office of the military chief.

AFP relieves Navy chief

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AFP relieves Navy chief

Claire Cornelio,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 19, 2017 05:47 PM PHT

|

Updated December 20, 2017 11:20 AM PHT

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Philippine Navy

Ronald Joseph Mercado

AFP

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