Rojas is new PH Marine Corps commandant

From the Philippine News Agency (May 10, 2023): Rojas is new PH Marine Corps commandant (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Marine Corps commandant Maj. Gen. Arturo G. Rojas (Photo courtesy of PMC)

MANILA – Maj. Gen. Arturo G. Rojas formally assumed command of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

Rojas took over the helm of the PMC in simple rites at the Bonifacio Naval Station, Taguig City on May 8.

"Maj. Gen. Rojas held key positions, making him one of the finest senior officers of his generation. He was the commander of the Special Operations Command of the AFP before being appointed as the new commandant Philippine Marine Corps," PMC public affairs office chief Capt. Jarald B. Rea said in a statement Wednesday.

Rojas replaced Marine Lt. Gen. Charlton M. Gaerlan, who was appointed as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff in March.

The new PMC chief previously served as brigade commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade in Tawi-Tawi and deputy commander of the Western Mindanao Command before becoming the unit's acting commander.

Rojas emphasized the PMC’s role in ensuring peace and security, noting that the Marines would be the most ready to protect the nation without fear and without fail.

The 36th PMC chief, a native of Koronadal City, spent his early military career with Marine Landing Battalion (MBLT) 3, MBLT-9, and 61st Marine Force Reconnaissance Company.

"He specialized in special operations during this period and (was) deployed to Sulu, Bulacan, Cotabato City, Quezon province, Basilan, Zamboanga, Kalinga, and Apayao. He spent three years with the Department of National Defense as a security officer and aide-de-camp to then Secretary Fortunato Abat and Secretary Orlando Mercado," Rea said.

Rojas also took up various courses and training, such as the Basic Airborne and Jumpmaster’s Course, Scuba Course, Scout Ranger Course, Intelligence Officer Basic Course, Military Intelligence Collection Course, Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Agent Course, Sureshock Urban Warfare Course, Jungle Environment Survival Training, Force Reconnaissance Orientation Course, and Officers Psychological Operations Course.

"Maj. Gen. Rojas holds degrees in Master of Science in Defense Analysis (Special Operation/Low-Intensity Conflict) from the US Naval postgraduate school in Monterey, California, USA (2004) and a Master in Public Management Major in Department and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines (2011). He earned several awards and decorations throughout his military career," Rea said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201138