Duterte names Hermogino as new PCG commander

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Elson Hermogino as the new commandant of the Philippine Cost Guard (PCG).

Duterte signed Hermogino’s appointment paper on January 4 but his papers were released by Malacañang on Monday.

Hermogino was also promoted from Commodore to Rear Admiral. He was formerly the Maritime Safety Service Commander of the PCG.

PCG Spokesperson Armand Balilo said Hermogino is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985.

Hermogino will replace Commodore Joel Garcia, who was officer-in-charge of the PCG for a year since the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) suspended Rear Admiral William Melad. Duterte, however, has just promoted Garcia to Rear Admiral.

“PCG will support Hermogino and thanks the President for the appointment of a regular Commandant,” Balilo said in a statement.

Aside from Hermogino and Garcia, Duterte also promoted two other PCG officials from Commodore to Rear Admiral, namely, Rolando Legaspi, and Leopoldo Laroya.     /kga