Philippine Coast Guard appoints Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan as new commandant

Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan has been appointed as the 31st commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), succeeding Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who has retired from service. The change of command ceremony took place on October 19 in Manila.

During the ceremony, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernizing the PCG and enhancing its operational readiness, maritime security, and international cooperation. The President emphasized the agency's critical role in defending sovereign rights, protecting maritime interests, and assisting coastal communities during natural disasters and search-and-rescue operations.

Supangan, a veteran with over three decades of experience in the PCG, previously held leadership roles including Commander of the Coast Guard Fleet and Commander of the Coast Guard District Palawan. His leadership strategy will focus on four strategic pillars: institutionalizing transformation and good governance, strengthening maritime governance, modernization and capacity building, and fostering strategic partnerships and cooperation.