Marcos promotes 19 PCG officials

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has promoted to the rank of commodore 19 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials, including the district commander of Palawan who is in charge of sending vessels to the West Philippine Sea.

Among the promoted officials was Palawan district commander Commodore Dennis Rem Labay, PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo told The STAR yesterday.

Labay was credited for being at the “forefront in the deployment of ships to the West Philippine Sea.”

“He is the one directing the dispatch of ships and coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He has really played a big role,” Balilo said.

He said the promotions would boost the “morale of the men and women of the PCG.”

“This is the biggest number of commodores promoted at the same time,” Balilo said.

The PCG said there were no promotions for the rank of commodore or one-star general last year.