President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has designed Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan as the new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
His appointment as the 30th PCG chief was announced by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista during the turnover ceremonies held at the PCG National Headquarters in Manila today, October 19.
Gavan replaced Admiral Artemio Abu who retired from the service today after spending 31 colorful years in the military and later on, the PCG, which is under the direct supervision of the DOTr.
“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,” Bautista said in his speech.
“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,” he added.
Prior to his appointment to the top PCG post, Gavan served as deputy commandant for administration and commander Coast Guard District Central Visayas. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maalab” Class of 1993.
Abu, on the other hand, belongs to PMA Class 1992.
Marcos signed Gavan’s appointment as PCG commandant yesterday, October 18, before the Chief Executive left for Saudi Arabia.