PCG chief Laroya retires; Vice Admiral Fabricante named OIC

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Thursday announced the appointment of an officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) following the retirement of commandant Admiral Leopoldo Laroya.

At the ceremony marking the retirement of Laroya, Tugade announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante as OIC of the PCG, effective February 11.

Fabricante is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1989 and served as Deputy Commandant for Operations of the PCG prior to his appointment as OIC.

Laroya, who was PCG chief for only five months, retired from the Coast Guard after serving for more than 38 years.

Under his leadership, Laroya molded and ensured that the PCG has aligned itself with striving for modernization in order to keep up with the maritime challenges that the country is facing and sustain the COVID-19 response in support of the whole-of-government efforts amid the pandemic, according to the DOTr. — VBL, GMA News