Blanco takes helm of Marines

MANILA, Philippines — Maj. Gen. Vicente Blanco III formally assumed his post as the 37th commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) during a donning of ranks and assumption of command ceremony on Friday.

Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta led the ceremony held at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Naval Station Jose Francisco in Taguig.

Blanco took over the helm of the PMC after Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas retired from military service last May.

Ezpeleta expressed full confidence in Blanco’s leadership, citing his ability to lead with humility and integrity.

He emphasized his trust in the newly installed commandant to empower the Marines, officers, enlisted personnel and civilian human resources under his command.

“From this moment forward, you are in charge of leading the Philippine Marine Corps in a dynamic global security environment. As you take the helm, sustain its transformation under the Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy and sharpen the Corps into a force that is not only the most ready, but also the most relevant – whether on land, at sea, or in the littorals,” Ezpeleta said.

Blanco is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991, graduating 12th out of 218 cadets.

He has led the PMC in challenging operational environments, including early deployments in Sulu, Palawan, Tawi-Tawi and Quezon Province during his command of the 4th Marine Brigade, and most recently, his service as deputy commandant.