Gavan is PCG's new commandant

From the Philippine News  Agency (Oct 19, 2023): Gavan is PCG's new commandant (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

NEW PCG COMMANDANT. CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Latorilla Gavan (middle) has been appointed as the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) 30th commandant following the announcement from Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista (right) on Thursday (Oct. 19, 2023). Prior to his appointment, Gavan served as the PCG’s deputy commandant for administration. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Latorilla Gavan has taken the helm at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) following the retirement of CG Admiral Artemio Abu Thursday.

During the change of command ceremony at the PCG national headquarters, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista announced Gavan’s appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Gavan is the 30th commandant of the PCG.

Bautista said Gavan would have the same peaceful approach as Abu that steered the country from escalating the volatile situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“My belief that [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,’” he said.

During the ceremony, Gavan took his oath before Bautista and received the rank of admiral from vice admiral.

Marcos chose Gavan among five recommended candidates when Abu’s retirement was announced after over 35 years of service.

Prior to his appointment, Gavan served as the PCG’s deputy commandant for administration.

His accomplishments include the training and capacity-building of angels of the sea --female PCG personnel working as radio operators onboard PCG vessels in the WPS to diffuse tension during sea conflict.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Maalab Class of 1993.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1212144