BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya, former Western Visayas Coast Guard district chief, is the new commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, after his appointment by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Laroya replaced Admiral George Usabia, who reached the mandatory age retirement of 56 on September 8.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1988, Laroya used to be the PCG Deputy commandant for Operations, and entrusted with various major positions, including commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command; Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command; and Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command.
Laroya also served as commander of PCG Districts in Western Visayas, Northwestern Luzon, Southwestern Mindanao, NCR – Central Luzon, and Bicol.
He earned the most coveted Command at Sea badge, having commanded two flagship Coast Guard search and rescue vessels (SARV) namely: BRP Batangas (SARV-004) and BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502)
The Coast Guard said that Laroya’s dedication to public service has been reflected through his remarkable achievements and numerous awards received, including Coast Guard Legion of Honor, Bronze Cross Medal, Outstanding Achievement Medals, Superior Achievement Medals, Coast Guard SAR Medals, and Military Merit Medals, among others.
The Coast Guard is now under the supervision of the Department of Transportation.*
