Coast Guard picks five to replace retiring commandant

October 10, 2019

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) named five candidates to replace outgoing Commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino.

Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said five senior officers have been  recommended as possible succesor of Hermogino.

"They are Vice Admiral Joel Garcia, the current deputy commandant for operations and Director of the National Coast Watch Center. A merchant marine officer from PMMA, Rear Admiral Leopoldo Larroya, deputy commandant for operations, Rear Admiral Jorge Ursabia, Commander of Marine Environmental Protection Command, Rear Admiral Lyndon La Torre, Commander Internal Affairs Service Class 87 and  Rear Admiral Joselito De La Cruz, Commander of Maritime Security Command," said Capt. Armando Balilo, PCG spokesman.

Balilo said these recommendations were submitted to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade who will endorse the candidates to  President Rodrigo Duterte .

Hermogino is set to retire from the Coast Guard as he will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on October 22.

Balilo said Hermogino, a member of PMA Class 1985 has served in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG for a combined 38 years. Robina Asido/DMS