The Philippines relieved its Navy Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) of duty four months ahead of his retirement. Armed forces spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo confirmed to reporters that Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado was no longer in charge of the 23,000-strong naval forces, but declined to say why.
Military sources quoted in media reports said Vice Adm. Mercado’s removal was connected to controversy over the weapon systems to be installed in the two frigates on order from South Korea. Mercado has allegedly complained about pressured into agreeing to to the contract clauses stipulating that Hyundai Heavy Industries, the frigate contractor, had the right to choose the weapons systems to be installed on the warship.
Reuter
Inquirer
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