Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 10) — Five senior officers are being eyed to replace Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Elson Hermogino, who is set to retire on October 22.
PCG spokesperson Captain Arman Balilo said that among those recommended for the post is Vice Admiral Joel Garcia, the deputy commandant for operations and Director of the National Coast Watch Center.
Four other officers, all with rear admiral rank, have also been recommended to replace Hermoginio. They are Deputy Commandant for Operations Leopoldo Larroya, Marine Environmental Protection Commander Jorge Ursabia, Internal Affairs Service Commander Lyndon La Torre and Maritime Security Commander Joselito De La Cruz.
The recommendations have been submitted to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.
Tugade said he has picked a person to endorse to President Rodrigo Duterte, but refused to disclose details.
The Secretary added that the next Coast Guard commandant should be patriotic, hardworking and dedicated.
Duterte appointed Hermogino to the helm of the PCG in January 2018. He had been a commander of various PCG stations and districts, including Bicol, Northern Mindanao and Southern Tagalog. He also headed major units such as the Coast Guard Fleet and the Maritime Safety Services Command.
CNN Philippines Correspondent Makoi Popioco contributed to this report.
