Manila, March 12 -- Air Force Lt. Gen. Rommel Roldan was named the new acting vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement Wednesday night, the military said Roldan replaced Marine Lt Gen. Jimmy Larida, who retired on the same day.

Roldan assumed his new post in simple rites at the Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers' Country, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who led the ceremonies, lauded Larida's contribution to the organization during his tenure.

He also said the position of AFP vice chief of staff is "demanding and indispensable".

"Under his leadership, the OVCSAFP (Office of the Vice Chief of Staff AFP) continued to perform its mandate with efficiency," he sa...