New PCG chief orders crackdown on oil smuggling

MANILA, Philippines – Newly appointed Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo ordered yesterday a crackdown on oil smuggling that could further trigger the rise in the prices of petroleum products.

Tamayo was formally appointed by President Arroyo as PCG commandant yesterday morning, but he was already the acting commandant after he took over the post from Admiral Danilo Abinoja last May 31.

On his first day as PCG commandant, he instructed the 4,500-strong Coast Guard personnel to closely monitor vessels that might be engaged in smuggling, particularly oil.

In a statement, Tamayo said his directive was in line with the government’s efforts to soften the impact of the price hike on consumers.

He vowed to ensure maritime safety by intensifying security in the country’s ports.

“We are specifically tasked to ensure safety and security in our ports. This is necessary to help boost development in the provinces as part of the President’s Nautical Highway program,” Tamayo said.

Tamayo was born on April 22, 1955 in Cavite City. He graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut in 1979 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from De La Salle University.

He is a well-rounded Coast Guard professional and has been assigned in both sea and governor of the Regional Cooperation on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia (RECAAP) Information Sharing Center (ISC) where the PCG is the designated Philippine Focal Point.

He is at present chairman of the PCG Board of Senior Officers (BOSO), the Command at Sea Board (CASB), and the PCG Modernization Board. – Evelyn Macairan