Laroya appointed new PH Coast Guard chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Vice Adm. Leopoldo Laroya as the next commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Laroya will replace Adm. George Ursabia Jr., who will retire on Wednesday, PCG spokesperson Commo. Armando Balilo said in a statement.

Laroya, the current Deputy Commandant for Operations, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988.

He was commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command, Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command and Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command.

He also served as district commander of the PCG in Western Visayas, Northwestern Luzon, Southwestern Mindanao, and Bicol region.

Laroya is a recipient of various awards and medals, including: Command at Sea badge, Coast Guard Legion of Honor, Bronze Cross Medal, Outstanding Achievement Medals, Superior Achievement Medals, Coast Guard SAR Medals, and Military Merit Medals, among others.

Laroya will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 in February 2022.

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