Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. is set to retire on Wednesday, Sept. 8, after 38 years of service in the uniformed service.
A member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Hinirang Class of 1987, Ursabia served various positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard before President Duterte appointed him as the 29th PCG commandant.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said four senior Coast Guard officials are possible successors, namely; Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya, Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante, Vice Admiral Oscar Endona Jr., and Vice Admiral Artemio Abu.
Laroya, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1988, serves as the Deputy Command for Operations. Meanwhile, Fabricante, a member of PMA Class of 1989, is the current Deputy Commandant for Administration.
Endona of PMA Class of 1990 served as the commander of the Coast Guard Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command, while Abu of PMA Class of 1992 is the current Commander of the Coast Guard Maritime Safety Services Command.
According to Balilo, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade has already recommended to President Duterte the next PCG commandant.
The Coast Guard is set to conduct a simple retirement and turn-over ceremony for Ursabia on Wednesday.