DOTC orders ‘relief’ of Coast Guard chief

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza ordered yesterday the relief of Coast Guard Commandant Vice Adm. Arthur Gosingan, about a month away from his mandatory retirement.

"He reached the maximum tenure of three years as commandant last Nov. 4," Lt. Commander Joseph Coyme, PCG spokesman, said in a statement.

"In accordance with the law, he was relieved as commandant. But it is different from his retirement. He’ll get his retirement benefits when he retires from the service on Dec. 9."           

Gosingan was due to retire on Dec. 9, and his testimonial parade was scheduled for Nov. 13.

Hours after Mendoza’s announcement of Gosingan’s relief, President Arroyo reportedly named Rear Adm. Damian Carlos as the new Coast Guard commandant, effective Nov. 15.

Mendoza named Carlos Coast Guard officer-in-charge, and he is expected to assume the post as soon as Mrs. Arroyo signs his appointment papers.

A member of PMA Class ’74, Carlos was Coast Guard deputy commandant for administration prior to his new appointment.

He also served as Coast Guard district commander in Palawan, South Western Mindanao and National Capital Region, and as commander of Coast Guard Operating Forces.

The turnover ceremony for the new Coast Guard officer-in-charge is set for next week.

Carlos, who was promoted in 2004, led a joint rescue exercise with Chinese maritime safety authorities in October 2004.

He also headed a Board of Marine Inquiry that looked into the sea tragedy in May 2003 after two passenger ferries collided at Manila Bay, killing at least 28 people.

The Department of Transportation and Communications supervises the Coast Guard, which is involved in the broader enforcement of maritime laws in the country, especially against smuggling, illegal fishing and drug trafficking. — Sandy Araneta, Edu Punay