The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the Philippine Navy’s (PN) Naval Reserve Command (NAVRESCOM) had their new commanders installed in a joint change of command ceremony at the PN Headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Manila on Monday, August 15.
Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado, PN Flag Officer in Command, presided over the ceremony as Major Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan was sworn in as the 35th PMC Commandant while Brig. Gen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison took the helm at NAVRESCOM.
Gaerlan replaced Brig. Gen. Raul Jesus Caldez who served as the PMC Commandant in an acting capacity while Cuison succeeded erstwhile NAVRESCOM acting commander, Colonel Simplitius Adecer.
Prior to the new post, Gaerlan headed the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Education, Training and Doctrine Command – the military’s premier education and training institution.
He also held key positions as the assistant deputy chief of staff for intelligence, 3rd Marine Brigade commander, the Marine Corps inspector general, deputy commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, and deputy brigade commander of 2nd Marine Brigade
Bordado said these posts "prepared Major General Gaerlan to become the mature and competent leader he is now".
"His leadership capabilities, management skills, and excellent academic background paved for numerous opportunities that shaped his agility in decision-making. I believe these will allow him to lead the Marines well,” Bordado stated.
Gaerlan is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Makatao" Class of 1989.
Meanwhile, Cuison previously had a stint at the AFP General Headquarters as the deputy inspector general.
He also served at the PMC Inspector General Office as admin officer, chief investigator, and readiness evaluation officer.
He also became the director of the Naval Operations Center, commanding officer of the Force Reconnaissance Group, and assistant chief of staff for personnel of the PMC.
Bordado said he was "confident” that Cuison “will be able to navigate into his new role at the NRC quickly.”
Cuison is a member of PMA "Bigkis Lahi" Class of 1990.