Recto dons rank of PCG auxiliary vice admiral

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has emphasized the government’s commitment to defend what belongs to the country as he received the rank of auxiliary vice admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which has been at the forefront of reinforcing the nation’s rights in the West Philippine Sea.

He donned the rank and took his oath as a PCG auxiliary vice admiral last Friday on the BRP Teresa Magbanua.

During the event, Recto underscored the administration’s “intensified focus on maritime security and coastal protection.”

Recto cited the P42.52-billion allocation for the PCG this year, which is intended to enhance manpower, operational readiness and long-term capability development.

The budget will bankroll the recruitment of personnel and the creation of new positions to lay the groundwork for a standing force of 108,867 uniformed personnel, equivalent to three coast guard personnel for every kilometer of the coastline.