Garcia is new Philippine Coast Guard commandant

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Vice Admiral Joel Garcia as the next commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Vice Admiral Joel Garcia (center) has been appointed as the next commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard. FRANCES MANGOSING / Inquirer.net

Garcia, the incumbent deputy commandant for administration and executive director of the National Coast Watch Center, will replace Admiral Elson Hermogino, who is capping off his 38-year career.

The change of command ceremony will take place on Tuesday afternoon at the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City.

Garcia, a graduate of Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Class of 1985, will have around seven months to lead the PCG until his mandatory retirement.

“Vice Adm. Garcia commanded capital ships from the Navy and the Coast Guard, held key positions at the headquarters and likewise led four Coast Guard districts, two functional commands, and two major support commands,” said PCG spokesperson Capt. Armando Balilo.

Garcia is also the current chairperson of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Governing Council based in Singapore. /gsg