PCSO chief promoted in PCGA

MANILA, Philippines —  Coast Guard officials have bestowed the rank of auxiliary rear admiral to Mel Robles, general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Robles donned the two-star rank on Monday during a promotion ceremony at the Philippine Coast Guard headquarters. He previously held the rank of PCG auxiliary commodore.

The PCG and PCSO’s operational synergy in rapid sea transport of medical and relief supplies to island provinces during calamities will be further solidified by the rank elevation, Robles said.

He pledged to leverage his new rank to enhance volunteer disaster response networks.

Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon was also promoted to the rank of auxiliary rear admiral by the PCG.