PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo retires after 30 years of service

Commodore Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson

MANILA, Philippines — Rear Admiral Armando Balilo has retired as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson after more than two decades of service.

In a turnover ceremony at PCG headquarters in Manila on Friday, Balilo relinquished his post to Commodore Algier Ricafrente.

Aside from being the new spokesperson, Ricafrente will also succeed Balilo as the acting commander of the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service.

Ricafrente is also the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs.

For his part, Balilo will officially retire on Monday, September 30, after completing his mandatory service of 30 years.

He was the PCG spokesperson since 2003 and he served 19 commandants in the PCG.

“We all grew up old together in this industry,” Balilo said in his speech.

“While we have different interests, I know that we all share the same aspirations,” he added.