5 admirals shortlisted for top Philippine Coast Guard post

MANILA, Philippines — Five admirals have been shortlisted to replace Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Vice Adm. Elson Hermogino.

The candidates are:

-Vice Adm. Joel Garcia – Deputy Commandant for operations and Director of National Coast Watch (graduate of Philippine Merchant Academy)

-Rear Adm. Leopoldo Larroya – Deputy Commandant for operations (Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988)

-Rear Adm. Jorge Ursabia – Commander of Marine Environmental Protection Command (PMA Class of 1987)

-Rear Adm. Lyndon La Torre – Commander of Internal Affairs Service (PMA Class of 1987)

-Rear Adm. Joselito dela Cruz – Commander of Maritime Security Command (PMA Class of 1988)

PCG spokesperson Capt. Arman Balilo said the list of candidates has been forwarded to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

He will endorse the list to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Hermogino, a member of PMA “Sandiwa” Class of 1985, will reach the retirement age of 56 on Oct. 22.

He has served 38 years in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PCG. /gsg