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MANILA, Philippines (Updated) — Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan is the 30th commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista announced Gavan’s appointment during the Change of Command Ceremony at PCG National Headquarters in Manila on Thursday.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. picked Gavan among five recommended candidates following the retirement of Admiral Artemio Abu who served the PCG for over 35 years.
Bautista also announced the promotion of Gavan from Vice Admiral to Admiral.
“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 during his speech.
Before taking the helm of the humanitarian armed service, Gavan served as the PCG’s Deputy Commandant for Administration.
Gavan is also the brainchild of the “Angels of the Sea” — a team of women radio operators who are on board PCG vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea.
“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,” Bautista furthered.
Gavan is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Maalab Class of 1993.
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