MANILA – Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has named Vice Adm. Eduardo Fabricante as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) effective February 11.
Tugade made the announcement during the retirement ceremony for outgoing PCG commandant Adm. Leopoldo Laroya on Thursday.
Fabricante is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1989 and served as the PCG’s Deputy Commandant for Operations.
During the event, Tugade thanked Laroya for his service and accomplishments as PCG commandant.
Born in Quezon City, Laroya began his military career in 1983 when he entered the PMA and graduated as part of the ‘Maringal’ Class of 1988.
Before being appointed as chief of the PCG, he served as the PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations; Commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command; Commander of the Coast Guard Education, Training, and Doctrine Command; and Commander of the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command.
He also served as District Commander of PCG Districts in Western Visayas, Northwestern Luzon, Southwestern Mindanao, and Bicol.
During his 38-year career in public service, he received numerous awards such as the Coast Guard Legion of Honor, Bronze Cross Medal, Outstanding Achievement Medals, Superior Achievement Medals, Coast Guard SAR Medals, and Military Merit Medals, among others.
Earlier, PCG spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo said Malacañang will announce Laroya’s replacement based on the recommendations of Tugade.
It said five senior flag rank officers have been recommended to Tugade who is expected to make his recommendation to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
These include Fabricante, Vice Adm. Oscar Endona Jr. of the PMA Class of 1990, Vice Adm. Artemio Abu of the PMA Class of 1992, Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan of the PMA Class of 1992, and Rear Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan of the PMA Class of 1993. (PNA)
