DAVAO CITY, Jan 14 (PIA) The Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern
Mindanao has a new commanding officer in the person of Commodore Joselito de la
Cruz.
De la Cruz who was a former chief of staff of the
PCG-General Headquarters took the reins from Commodore George Ursabia who will
be assigned to PCG-Palawan after his tour of duty in Southeastern Mindanao
ended.
Rear Admiral William Melad, deputy commandant of the PCG
officiated the turn-over ceremony in the presence of city officials headed by
Retired Chief Superintendent Francisco Villaroman, Chief of the City Public
Safety Command Center and regional directors of line-government agencies headed
by Commodore Efren Elbanbuena, district commander of the PCG-Auxiliary and
director of the Philippine Information Agency 11 and representatives from local
government units, fishing and shipping industries, and resort operators.
De la Cruz pledged to support all efforts in the fight
against terrorism and illegal drugs, and to impart knowhow on disaster
preparedness, rescue and response in line with the climate change.
“We will be supporting the police and military units in the
fight against terrorism using our K-9s and aluminum boats in our sub-stations,”
he said.
De la Cruz said that the PCG will continue its mandate on search
and rescue, marine and environmental protection, functions initiated by his
predecessor Commodore Ursabia.
He said the will provide water search and rescue to local
government units in preparation to floods occurring regularly during monsoon
rains.
De la Cruz said the training called WASAR will run during summer
for LGUs in their area of responsibility particularly in the cities of Davao,
General Santos, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Bislig, Surigao del Sur and
Sarangani.
Ursabia took pride of leaving a refurbished district
headquarters in Davao City, well-equipped and relevant Coast Guard Stations
from the provinces of Surigao, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur
and Sarangani.
He recalled that he was able to intensify the relevance of the
Coast Guard in Southeastern Mindanao through its actual presence in various
substations in search and rescue with the provision of aluminum boats.
“We have activated more substations from Surigao del Sur, Davao
Region and Sarangani Province, consequently enhancing our capability in our
area of responsibility,” Ursabia said.
He is also thankful to the national leadership for his new
assignment as the PCG District Director of Palawan.
“I know that there are sensitive issues in the West Philippine
Sea. I thank the command for considering myself in handling the situation
there,” Ursabia said.
Melad expressed confidence that the two coast guard district
directors will overcome all challenges posed by their respective new
assignments given their experience in the line of duty.
He urged the commanders to continue the delivery of quality
service to the people.
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