Coast Guard makes Manny Pacquiao a 'one-star general'

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao received a huge gift on his 36th birthday as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) gave him the honorary rank of a commodore.

 

The Sarangani representative took the oath as a member of the PCG Auxiliary unit on Wednesday, according to a report by state-run Philippines News Agency.

 

Pacquiao's rank is equivalent to brigadier general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), making him an honorary "one-star general." The boxer currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the AFP's Reserve Force. The Coast Guard is an attached agency to the Department of Transportation of Communications.

 

A Pershing cap, a squadron badge, and two shoulder marks that has one star each was prepared for Pacquiao's donning ceremony.

 

Commodore George Ursabia said Pacman will be a part of the PCGA's executive squadron, an elite squadron that also includes other important personalities.

 

Ursabia said that Pacquiao "volunteered" to become a part of the PCGA, which is mandated by law to promote maritime safety and protect marine environment. — Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News