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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos taps ex-military official as National Maritime Council spokesman

Marcos taps ex-military official as National Maritime Council spokesman

Published Aug 16, 2024 09:33 am

President Marcos has appointed former commander of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Alexander Lopez as spokesman of the National Maritime Council (NMC).

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Former commander of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Alexander Lopez (Photo courtesy of PCG)

Malacañang said Lopez will speak on behalf of the NMC on issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea (WPS). He was designated to the position on Aug. 6.

Lopez served as the commander of the Western Command of the AFP from 2014 to 2016, or during the term of the late former president Benigno Aquino III.

It can be recalled that in March this year,  the NMC was created by the President through Executive Order (EO) No. 57 with the aim of strengthening the Philippines’ maritime security and increasing maritime domain awareness among Filipinos amid China’s aggressive tactics and threats in the WPS.

Before the appointment, Lopez served as DOE undersecretary from 2018 to 2022; consultant of the same agency from 2017 to 2018; and security consultant of ABS-CBN Corp. from 2016 to 2018.  

He served as deputy chief of staff for Education and Training (J8) of the AFP.

Lopez also served as commander of Fleet-Marine Ready Force, and Joint Task Force Malampaya; Chief of Naval Staff for Operations, N3; and Philippine Defense and AFP Attaché in Singapore.

He is also a former Deputy Chief of Naval Staff for Intelligence, N2; Chief, Foreign Training Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training; and Chief, Manpower and Organization Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.

He also served as Chief of Fleet Staff for Operations, F3; Commanding Officer (Philippine Navy Commissioned Vessels); Executive Officer (Philippine Navy Vessels); and Commander, Naval Intelligence and Security Units.

Lopez is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) batch 1982.

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