MANILA—President Benigno Aquino has appointed Vice-Admiral Ramon Liwag as the new commander of the Philippine Coast Guard.

Liwag replaced Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo.

Aquino expressed confidence that Liwag would continue the reforms started by the PCG’s previous leadership.

“Tiwala akong sa karanasan at husay sa serbisyo ni Vice-Admiral Ramon Liwag, pamumunuan niya ang PCG nang may katulad na dedikasyon at sakripisyo ni Admiral Tamayo, at maihahatid din niya sa mas maunlad na daungan ang buong PCG,” the President said.

“Ang hamon ko sa iyo, Admiral Liwag — huwag kang magpapahila sa tukso ng panlalamang. Naitalaga ka upang maglingkod ng marangal sa iyong mga boss; huwag mo silang bibiguin,” Aquino said.

Before his appointment as PCG chief, Liwag served as vice commandant for operations of the PCG.