FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – After 38 years, MGen. Nestor C. Herico PN(M), Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, bowed out of military service on July 13, 2022.
MGen. Herico, who hails from Zamboanga City and belongs to Philippine Military Academy Class 1988, built his specialization in amphibious warfare, intelligence, plans, and operations. Prior to his short stint as the Marine Commandant, he was appointed as Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy, Naval Inspector General, and Commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade in Puerto Princesa City. He also served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, AJ2 and Defense Armed Forces Attaché to China.
As a recipient of various awards including Presidential Merit Medal, Philippine Legion of Honor – Degree of an Officer, Distinguished Service Stars, Outstanding Achievement Medal, Gawad sa Kaunlaran, Distinguished Navy Cross, and Military Civic Action Medals, MGen. Herico consistently demonstrated excellent leadership and professionalism in his military career. During the retirement ceremony, the Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command, Rear Admiral Adeluis S. Bordado, awarded him a Distinguished Conduct Star, Command Plaque, Plaque of Honorable Service, Honorary Flag-rank Command-at-sea Plaque, Philippine Navy Board of Senior Officer Plaque, Philippine Marine Corps Plaque, and Crossed Rifle and Anchor award.
MGen. Herico is leaving behind a Philippine Marine Corps that is advancing its implementation of the Archipelagic Coastal Defense Strategy, while strengthening ties with international partners. BGen. Raul Jesus L. Caldez PN(M), Deputy Commandant, will serve as the Acting Commandant until a successor is officially announced. (VICTOR BALDEMOR)
