TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — Brig. Gen. Bayani Curaming formally assumed leadership as acting commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) on Friday, September 25, taking over from Maj. Gen. Vicente Mark Anthony Blanco III, who has reached the mandatory retirement age.
The leadership transition took place during a Change of Command Ceremony at the Bonifacio Naval Station Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, presided over by Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.
Curaming, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1994, will serve as acting commandant while continuing his concurrent duties as deputy commandant—a position he took on September 22 after previously leading the 2nd Marine Brigade.
Blanco, belonging to PMA Class of 1991, officially stepped down two days ahead of his 57th birthday on September 27. He had served as PMC chief since July 2025, following prior assignments as deputy commandant and commander of the 4th Marine Brigade.
During the ceremony, Blanco was honored with testimonial recognition for his tenure, which focused on territorial defense, force modernization, and organizational growth—including the implementation of the 3DR Territorial Defense Concept, the PMC Beachhead 2040 framework, and enhanced Archipelagic Coastal Defense capabilities.
“It was my privilege as Commandant to build on the Corps’ foundations and strengthen not just individual units, but the enduring institution itself, always anchored on our maritime identity and the purpose of building a force that is Always Ready, Specialized, and Highly Reliable,” Blanco said.
“Our loyalty belongs to the Constitution and the Filipino people. No personal ambition, no partisan agenda, Marines serve the Nation, and we do so with honor, discipline, and unwavering professionalism,” he added.
Following the command transfer, Blanco took his oath as a military reservist to maintain his ties with the armed services.
“The command may pass, the rank may fade, but the Marine Corps remains. Today I bid farewell to command, but never to the Philippine Marine Corps. I leave humbled, proud, and forever a Marine,” Blanco said.