Abinoja gets nod as Coast Guard chief

(Updated 5:25 p.m.) Vice Admiral Danilo Abinoja has been named commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a role which he had served in an acting capacity over the last six weeks. Abinoja succeeded Damian Carlos, his mistah at the Philippine Military Academy Class 1974. Carlos retired from the Coast Guard last September 27. Other high-profile "PMA classmates" of Abinoja include Director General Avelino Razon Jr and Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr, the current chiefs of the National Police and the Armed Forces, respectively. Interviewed by reporters, Abinoja said he will consider as a top priority the improvement of the conditions of PCG personnel. "We will push for better amenities, better working environments, improved health care as well as other benefits for our men," said Abinoja. He added that ensuring the security of all seafarers will also be a focus of his administration. "This is necessary to help boost development in provinces as part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's Nautical Highway program. We are specifically tasked to ensure safety and security in our ports and sea transportation," Abinoja said. With his appointment, Abinoja ordered a tighter watch against oil smuggling. He cited rising world prices of crude oil, amid government efforts to soften the impact of the price hike on consumers. Last September 26, DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza named Abinoja as officer-in-charge to avert a possible leadership vacuum in the Coast Guard. Carlos had found himself at the center of a controversy last September after some Coast Guard personnel called attention to some alleged irregularities in the agency. They also questioned Carlos for not stepping down as his 56th birthday neared, amid speculations that the retirement age for the Coast Guard should be 65. They said the Coast Guard is now a civilian agency and should follow regulations of the Civil Service Commission. Junior officers of the Philippine Coast Guard demanded an explanation on several multi-million peso transactions. - GMANews.TV