PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan as the new Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant, Malacañang said Monday.
He replaced PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who reached the mandatory retirement age.
In an interview after the change of command ceremony in Manila, Supangan said he will continue to carry on the legacy of the PCG in maintaining the safety and security of the country amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“We will continue the position of the coast guard based on the policy of the government to ensure that our fisherfolks are protected and to maintain the security of our country,” he said in Filipino.
Supangan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Marilag” Class of 1995, has served in the PCG for more than three decades.
Marcos said Supangan’s experience and years of service in the PCG prepared him for his new role.
“Your decades of experience in maritime operations and leadership, including your service as Commander of the Coast Guard Fleet, Coast Guard District Palawan, and the Marine Environmental Protection Command, have prepared you for this responsibility,” he said.
The chief executive also praised Gavan for strengthening the PCG’s disaster response capabilities, particularly citing the institutionalization of the “10/30 doctrine” designed to accelerate emergency response deployments.
The PCG celebrated its 125th founding anniversary last week.
