The newly installed chief of the Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas vowed to work for safer ships and cleaner seas.
“The vision of the PCG is to have safer ships and cleaner seas,” declared Commodore William M. Melad.
With this direction, Deputy Commander Ramon H. Reblora said the shipping industry in the island region should expect “stricter standards and less fish stops for illegal fishing.”
Commodore Cecil R. Chen handed over his post as coast guard commander of PCG-7.
Several confiscated illegal firearms and explosives were also turned over to the Firearms and Explosives Security Agencies and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS).
The guns, blasting caps and banned firecrackers seized last year were worth about P892,380.
FESSAGS Chief Supt. Rex Derilo said an inventory will be made of the guns to verify if they are licensed firearms before they are deposited in Camp Crame.
The blasting caps and banned firecrackers will be destroyed.
Meanwhile Chen urged everyone to support the new district commander, who was given the flag of the PCG-7, a symbol of loyalty and responsibility.
PCG-7 Commander Rolando Punzalan Jr., Cebu Coast Guard commander, received an Outstanding Achievement Award as the Best Station Commander in 2011.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Derilo attended the change of command ceremony.