Manila, March 25 -- Air Force Maj. Gen. Thad Rufino Candelario was named the new chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Strategic Command.

In a news release, the AFP said Candelario took over the helm of the command during simple rites led by AFP acting vice chief of staff Air Force Lt. Gen. Rommel Roldan at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga Tuesday.

He replaced Air Force Maj. Gen. Fabian Pedregosa, who relinquished his post after taking command of the unit since its activation last October.

The Strategic Command acts as a central hub that integrates intelligence, operations and civil-military efforts to support quicker decision-making and stronger coordination.

It also manages joint exercises and works closely with allies a...