Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has been named as the new Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) chief following the retirement of CG Admiral Artemio M. Abu.
CG Admiral Artemio M. Abu, who is now the 30th PCG Commandant, took an oath during the Change of Command Ceremony at the National Headquarters, Port Area, Manila on Thursday, October 19.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista graced the event, coinciding with the formal retirement of the 29th PCG Commandant, CG Abu, after over 35 years of public service.
In his speech during the ceremony, Baustista expressed his trust and confidence that CG Vice Admiral Gavan would efficiently steer the PCG in implementing the "White Hull Approach" towards upholding maritime security and safety in the country's exclusive economic zones.
According to the transport secretary, Admiral Art was hailed for his innate peace mindset that steered the country away from any deterioration in the volatile situation at the West Philippine Sea.
"My belief that Vice Admiral Ronnie Gavan will do the same is anchored on his record of shifting to the 'White Hull Approach' when securing our maritime borders and his introduction of female radio operators, called 'Angels of the Sea,' as a way of diffusing tension during sea conflict," Bautista said.
CG Vice Admiral Gavan was tapped by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. His an appointment paper dated October 18 was released by the Malacañang.
Gavan served as a former PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration.
He was also instrumental in training and capacity-building female Coast Guardians as radio operators dubbed "Angels of the Sea" on board PCG vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The 30th PCG Commandant is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Maalab Class of 1993.
