Newly appointed Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command, Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, on Friday said he would continue to push for the naval service to have a “greater role” in external defense operations.

“As directed by our Commander-in-Chief (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) and aligned with policies from the Department of National Defense and higher headquarters, we shall continue to embrace and prepare for our increasing role in external defense operations, especially with the adoption of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Concept and in tandem with the Navy’s Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy,” he said in his assumption of command speech at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Manila.

Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. attended the event.

Under his watch, Ezpeleta said the Navy will recalibrate its approach and operations.

“We are facing challenges unlike any that we have seen in the past. Adjusting to these emerging realities has put the Philippine Navy at the forefront, necessitating the recalibration of our approach and operational tempo, embodying our transition from an inward-looking defense posture to an outward-facing one,” he added.

Ezpeleta said navigating complex waters born out of the current security environment is no easy task.

“Such a reorientation also requires us to intensify our maritime security operations by strengthening our presence in our operational areas. As such, we shall continue to enhance our support to the unified commands and push for the optimum deployment of our naval assets and personnel,” he said.

Ezpeleta said the Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act help define the scope of the Navy’s areas of responsibility.

This will allow the Navy to protect and project appropriate capabilities in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zones, which contribute to protecting sovereignty, promoting sustainable development, and securing future prosperity.

“Given this development, we remain committed to modernizing our force through capability enhancement and continuous development of our bases and facilities, as well as our maritime domain awareness, which contributes to bringing a holistic defense posture to our nation,” he added.

Ezpeleta, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, replaced Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. (Class 1989).

Adaci took over the Navy on Nov. 24, 2022.

Prior to his appointment, Ezpeleta served as the Navy’s vice commander from August to November this year.

He also served as chief of Naval Staff and commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon. (PNA)