5 PCG officers shortlisted to replace Abu

MANILA, Philippines — Five graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) have been nominated to become the next commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard.

PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo yesterday said the choices for the 30th Coast Guard commandant are senior officers and all hold the rank of vice admiral.

They are Rolando Lizor Punzalan, Ronnie Gil Gavan, Joseph Coyme, Allan Victor dela Vega and Roy Echeverria.

They are the contenders to replace outgoing Admiral Artemio Abu, who is set to retire on Oct. 19 after 31 years of public service. Abu has been the commandant for 18 months.

Punzalan is currently the PCG deputy commandant for operations and a member of PMA Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992.

Gavan holds the number three position in the Coast Guard hierarchy as its deputy commandant for administration and member of PMA Maalab Class of 1993.

Coyme is the commander of Maritime Services Command and belongs to PMA Bantay Laya Class of 1994.

Dela Vega is the commander of Weapons, Electronics and Information Systems and member of PMA Class of 1993.

Echeverria serves as commander of the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command and director of the National Coast Watch Center. He is also a member of PMA Class of 1993.

“The five candidates will undergo a series of interviews and will face the senior leadership of the Department of Transportation before endorsing their names to the Office of the President,” Balilo said.

However, the President may also choose from other qualified flag rank officers as Coast Guard commandant, Balilo added.