MANILA, Philippines — Newly appointed Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) chief Rear Admiral Edmund Tan vowed Tuesday to continue to strengthen the archipelago’s maritime security as he assumed as the 24th commandant of the country’s maritime law enforcement agency.

Tan, who replaced outgoing PCG commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag, said during his inaugural speech that he will go with the commitment of President Benigno S. Aquino III to prioritize maritime security in the face of many challenges and threats at sea.

“Our president has emphasized the government’s firm commitment to prioritize maritime security in our country, especially in the face of maritime challenges and threats such as terrorism, transnational crimes, drug and firearms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, climate change, illegal fishing and marine environment degradation,” Tan said.

Aquino facilitated the turnover and change of command rites at the PCG headquarters in Pier 15.

The new PCG chief is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Mapitagan Class of 1980 and due to his superior leadership qualities he is a recipient of the Coast Guard Legion of Honor award and Coast Guard Outstanding medal.

Tan also assured the public that they will coordinate with other uniformed services such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Sa pagsugpo ng lahat ng mga yan, ang inyong Coast Guard ay kaakibat ng buong pamahalaan, at ng buong sambayanan sa whole of government, at whole of nation approach ayon na rin sa Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP-Bayanihan) ng ating Hukbong Sandatahan. Under my leadership, I pledge to cooperate fully with the AFP and the PNP, pati na ang ibang mga uniformed services, so that together, our combined resources can better contribute to the peace and prosperity of our nation,” Tan added.

He vowed to President Aquino that the agency will continue to provide security along the disputed territories at the West Philippine Sea.

“Mahal na Pangulo makakaasa kayo, sa Reed Bank man o Recto Reef, sa matuwid na landas, ang buong Coast Guard ay kasama ninyo,” Tan said.

He also said his leadership shall be anchored on four basic tenets: Readiness and Responsiveness; Capability Development; Morale, Welfare, and Reform; and Source of National Pride.

“In these aspirations, let us continue to be guided by the 5-Ps of Coast Guard leadership – Preparedness, Partnership, Professionalism, and Passion to serve. Allow me now to add the sixth P, which stands for Pride because for the measure of any good organization is the pride that the members derive in belonging to it and the measure of a good member is the pride that the organization gains because of him,” Tan said.