Vice Admiral Ronnie Gavan is new PCG chief

Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Latorilla Gavan is the new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the agency said on Thursday.

Gavan was among the five recommended candidates to replace outgoing PCG chief Admiral Artemio Abu.

Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed confidence that Gavan would push the "white hull approach" to uphold maritime security and safety in the Philippines' exclusive economic zones.

"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," said Bautista during the turnover ceremony at the PCG headquarters in Manila.

"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," he said.

During the ceremony, Gavan was also promoted to Admiral rank.

Gavan previously served as the PCG's Deputy Commandant for Administration before his appointment. 

He was instrumental in training and capacity-building female Coast Guardians as radio operators dubbed "Angels of the Sea" on board PCG vessels patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the PCG.

Gavan was a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Maalab Class of 1993. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News