Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T. Trinidad has formally retired from the Philippine Navy (PN) but the military said Saturday, April 25, that he will continue to be its spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) concerns as a naval reservist.

PN Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta honored Trinidad, who had also served as the Naval Inspector General, during his retirement ceremony in Taguig City last April 23.

As the Naval Inspector General, he oversaw the operational readiness of all units within the PN.

Aside from this, he also held the role of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson for WPS concerns where he managed the military’s messaging regarding maritime domain intrusions and foreign malign influence.

“By underscoring what is right and what is true, he has contributed to bolstering public faith in our actions, as well as fortifying our country’s diplomatic messaging on the global stage,” Ezpeleta said, citing Trinidad’s leadership and professionalism.

The ceremony underscored Trinidad’s contributions to both internal accountability and external messaging. The PN has increasingly emphasized transparency and communication in relation to WPS tensions with China and Trinidad became one of its most visible voices in that effort, Ezpeleta noted.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991, Trinidad began his military career as a Navy SEAL within the Naval Special Warfare Group.

After six years in special operations, he transitioned into Naval Intelligence and later moved to the Fleet. By 2008, he concluded his shipboard assignments as the commanding officer of an offshore patrol vessel.

His career also included nearly four years at the Joint Headquarters Staff for Operations (O/J3). He later served as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Operations (N3) at Navy Headquarters.

Throughout his tenure, Trinidad has occupied vital tactical and operational roles which spanned critical regions, including the southern part of the country and the WPS.

Trinidad, known in service circles by his callsign as the original “Hooyah” of the Navy, acknowledged his peers and subordinates during the ceremony.

“Maraming, maraming salamat (Thank you very much) to the men and women of the Philippine Navy. I would like to tell you, I will just be around the corner if you need assistance or help,” he said.

He thanked the PN for his limited but continued role as AFP spokesperson for WPS concerns as a naval reservist, allowing him to maintain a public-facing role on maritime issues while transitioning out of regular service.

“While desig callsign Hooyah will soon be signing off, we now bring the Hooyah mentality to a broader playing field,” he concluded.