Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Rommel Supangan officially received his fourth star on Tuesday, November 3, marking his promotion to the rank of Admiral.
His promotion follows his appointment last month as the agency’s 31st chief, succeeding Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who retired after 37 years of service.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the promotion on October 19 upon the recommendation of former Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez. Incumbent Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon presided over the donning and oath-taking ceremony, which was attended by Supangan’s family.
Upon taking leadership of the agency, Supangan committed to stepping up modernization efforts and strengthening sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
He emphasized that sustained maritime operations and inter-agency coordination will guide the country in asserting its rights within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The PCG sovereignty patrol, particularly in the exclusive economic zone and the West Philippine Sea (WPS), will support the whole-of-government approach to assert our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Supangan said during the October 19 change of command ceremony.
“We will stand on what is ours and we will do so with dignity, integrity, and absolute resolve,” he added.
To steer the institution, Supangan introduced four strategic pillars under the PCG Compass roadmap: institutional transformation and good governance, effective maritime governance, modernization and capacity building, and strategic partnerships and cooperation.
These priorities will direct the agency’s core mandates in maritime security, safety, law enforcement, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Marilag” Class of 1995, Supangan’s past leadership roles include heading the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Command, the Coast Guard Fleet, Coast Guard District Palawan, and the Coast Guard Human Resource Management Command, alongside serving as director of the Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center.