The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) welcomed Major General Arturo Rojas as the new commandant in a change-of-command ceremony held on Monday at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Rojas took over from Lieutenant General Charlton Sean Gaerlan, who recently assumed the position of deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Rojas, a graduate of the Philippine Military Army (PMA) ‘Bigkas Lahi’ Class of 1990, brings extensive experience to his new role, having previously served as commander of the AFP’s Special Operations Command.

He also spent his early military career focusing on special operations with MBLT-3, MBLT-9, and 61st Marine Force Reconnaissance Company.

Additionally, Rojas served as a security officer in the Department of National Defense for three years.

He holds a Master of Science in Defense Analysis from the US Naval postgraduate school in California and a Master in Public Management Major in Department and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines in 2011.