The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) warmly welcomed MGen Arturo G Rojas PN(M) as its 36th Commandant in a Change of Command ceremony at the Bonifacio Naval Station Grandstand.
MGen Rojas held key positions, making him one of the finest senior officers of his generation. He was the Commander of the Special Operations Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines before being appointed as the new Commandant Philippine Marine Corps (CPMC), succeeding LTGen Charlton Sean M Gaerlan PN(M). He previously served as the Brigade Commander of 2nd Marine Brigade in Tawi-Tawi and the Deputy Commander of Western Mindanao Command and later became the Unit’s Acting Commander.
In his speech, MGen Rojas emphasized the PMC’s role in ensuring peace and security and added that the Marines will be the most ready to protect the nation without fear and without fail.
A native of Koronadal City and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “BIGKIS LAHI” Class of 1990, MGen Rojas spent his early military career with MBLT-3, MBLT-9, and 61st Marine Force Reconnaissance Company. He specialized in special operations during this period and deployed to Sulu, Bulacan, Cotabato City, Quezon Province, Basilan, Zamboanga, Kalinga, and Apayao. He spent three years with the Department of National Defense as a security officer and aide-de-camp to then Secretary Fortunato Abat and Secretary Orlando Mercado.
He took up various courses and training such as the Basic Airborne and Jumpmaster’s Course, Scuba Course, Scout Ranger Course, Intelligence Officer Basic Course, Military Intelligence Collection Course, Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Agent Course, Sureshock Urban Warfare Course, Jungle Environment Survival Training, Force Reconnaissance Orientation Course, and Officers PsyOps Course.
MGen Rojas holds degrees in Master of Science in Defense Analysis (Special Operation/Low-Intensity Conflict) from the U.S. Naval postgraduate school in Monterey, California, USA (2004) and a Master in Public Management Major in Department and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines (2011). He earned several awards and decorations throughout his military career.
He is happily married to Elmina Tagle of Imus, Cavite, and they are blessed with three wonderful children – Arturo IV, Alfonso, and Alessandra.
