Noy promotes PCG chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has promoted Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag to the rank of a full-fledged admiral, an official said yesterday.

PCG spokesman Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said Aquino approved and signed Liwag’s promotion last June 3. He is scheduled to take his oath before Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose de Jesus today.

Liwag succeeded Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, who retired last April 19. Liwag is the 23rd commandant of the PCG.

He was born in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija on Jan. 24, 1956 and is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, together with Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Oban, Army chief Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz and Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Alexander Pama.

Liwag chaired the Board of Marine Inquiry that investigated the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars on June 21, 2008.

Only 33 people reportedly survived the sea mishap, while more than 500 perished. There are still more than 300 people considered missing.