MANILA — Vice Admiral Rommel Agsaullo Supangan formally took the helm as the 31st commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday, October 19, vowing to intensify sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea and push forward with the agency’s modernization.
Presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the PCG headquarters in Manila, the change of command ceremony marked Supangan’s succession of Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who retired after 37 years of service.
During the event, Marcos and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez presented Gavan with the Presidential Legion of Honor.
In his inaugural address, Supangan emphasized that the coast guard will utilize a unified government strategy to defend the nation’s maritime boundaries within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The PCG sovereignty patrol, particularly in the exclusive economic zone and the West Philippine Sea, will support the whole-of-government approach to assert our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Supangan stated. “We will stand on what is ours and we will do so with dignity, integrity, and absolute resolve.”
Supangan’s strategic roadmap, dubbed the PCG Compass, focuses on four core pillars: institutional governance, effective maritime oversight, modernization, and strategic partnerships. A veteran official and member of the Philippine Military Academy “Marilag” Class of 1995, Supangan previously led the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) and brings extensive shipboard and leadership experience to his new role.
Closing his speech, the newly minted commandant assured the public of the agency’s unyielding readiness to handle regional security challenges, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection.
“To the Filipino people, your Coast Guard is ready. An institution of service and hope, we will keep our enduring commitment to serve with professionalism, integrity, and excellence, for the flag, country, and the Filipino people,” Supangan said.