MANILA, Philippines - Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is now a commodore (equivalent to a one-star general in the Army) in the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard commandant Vice Adm. Rodolfo Isorena said the 36-year-old lawmaker joined the Coast Guard’s executive squadron on his 36th birthday yesterday.
The Coast Guard has reportedly prepared a Pershing cap for Pacquiao, a squadron badge and two shoulder marks bearing a commodore’s star.
Pacquiao’s conferment as commodore was scheduled at the KCC Convention Center in General Santos City at 6 p.m. yesterday.
Isorena said Pacquiao’s P25-million yacht could be used in the Coast Guard’s maritime search and rescue operations.
“He (Pacquiao) is willing to provide floating assets to be used by the PCGA and by our regular (personnel) in General Santos City and in Davao,” he said.
“We could use this for our search and rescue operations… I think he has a yacht and I think we can use it anytime.”
However, Isorena said Pacquiao did not donate his yacht to the Coast Guard.
It would only be available for the Coast Guard’s use during operations like maritime environmental protection, he added.
Isorena said it would be up to Pacquiao to join coastguardsmen at the frontlines during rescue operations.
“That is what we do with the other PCGA volunteers,” he said. “Those who want to volunteer their services in search and rescue operations and for humanitarian relief.”
Pacquiao’s yacht Sarangani Pride is reportedly the “Ferrari of yachts.” He bought it in 2011 as a Christmas gift for his family after winning against Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez.
It is reportedly fully furnished and carries three jet skis worth P1 million each. It can travel from Sarangani to Manila in a day and a half.