PCGA-Boracay holds turnover of command

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): PCGA-Boracay holds turnover of command

The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary in Boracay Island has a new commander.

Newly-designated Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGA) 609th Squadron Commander Captain Peter Tay officially replaced outgoing Captain Jose Villaroman in a turnover of leadership and management ceremony held June 8.

Tay, a native of Singapore but now a naturalized Filipino, will serve as the squadron commander in the island for the next two years.

The turnover was officiated by Commodore Leopoldo Laroya, Philippine Coast Guard Commander for Western Visayas.

During the event, the 609th CGA Squadron was also commended for its accomplishment in the past two years.

The group received medal and ribbons for its campaign for international cleanup, disaster relief and rehabilitation and anti-marine pollution. The recognition was given by PCG in Western Visayas.

Captain Jose Villaroman was meanwhile awarded with the Distinguished Service medal and ribbon by the PCG-national headquarters.

In his message, Tay vowed to get additional PCGA volunteers.

“We will have 200 active volunteers by the end of 2017,” he said.

At present, the 609th CGA Squadron has 50 active volunteers.

As a seasoned diver, Tay also vowed to create an underwater search and rescue team in the island.

Tay also said aside from assisting PCG on securing the maritime security in the island, the squadron will also conduct more medical and dental missions to serve the community further.

Also present during the occasion were Commodore Leonard Tirol, Commodore Mike Labatiao; and Captain Luz Escarilla, PCG-Coast Guard District Auxiliary Western Visayas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=893853