Duterte names George Ursabia as new Philippine Coast Guard chief

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday named Vice Admiral George Ursabia Jr. as the 27th commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard.

“We are confident that the appointment of Mr. Ursabia will bring the PCG closer to its vision of being a world-class guardian of the sea,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.

“We wish the new Commandant good luck as he begins to lead the PCG in this challenging time.”

Ursabia was the chief of the PCG - Marine Environment Protection Command and the Task Group Laban COVID-19 Water Cluster prior to his appointment as PCG commandant.

Ursabia, who belongs to the Philippine Military Academy "Hinirang" Class of 1987, served as the commander of Coast Guard districts in Central Visayas, Palawan, Southeastern Mindanao and Northern Luzon, aside from serving as the chief of the Coast Guard Ready Force and Staff for Maritime Safety Affairs.

He also earned the Command-at-Sea Badge as he commanded three Coast Guard search and rescue vessels namely BRP Romblon (SARV-3503), BRP Davao Del Norte (SARV 3504), and BRP Pampanga (SARV 003) as well as three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 30-meter patrol boats.

Ursabia replaced Admiral Joel Garcia, who retired from service today, June 1. --with Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News