PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Elson Hermogino as the new commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Malacañang on Monday, January 8, released Hermogino's appointment paper signed by Duterte on January 4.

Hermogino, a graduate of the Phiilippine Military Academy Class of 1985, replaced Commodore Joel Garcia, who was officer-in-charge of PCG after the Office of the Ombudsman suspended former Coast Guard chief Rear Admiral William Melad.

Prior to his new appointment, Hermogino served as commander of PCG's Maritime Safety Services Command. He was also a former commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog.

PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo welcomed Hermogino's appointment as the new PCG chief.

"(The) PCG will support Hermogino and thanks the President for the appointment of a regular commandant," he said in a statement.

In a separate document dated January 4, Hermogino and Garcia were promoted, given a rank of Rear Admiral. Apart from the two, Duterte also promoted Rolando Legaspi and Leopoldo Laroya from Commodore to Read Admiral. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)