The Philippine Coast Guard welcomed a new commandant on Thursday as China continued to bully Filipino maritime personnel in the South China Sea.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan was officially installed as the new PCG chief by Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, a day before the mandatory retirement of PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu at 56 years old.

Bautista, in a ceremony at PCG headquarters in Manila, expressed confidence that Gavan would efficiently steer the PCG in implementing the "White Hull Approach" toward upholding maritime security and safety in the country's exclusive economic zone.

The White Hull Approach is a non-confrontational approach to maritime law enforcement that emphasizes diplomacy and cooperation. It was developed by the PCG in response to China's increasingly aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.

"Admiral Art was hailed for his innate peace mindset that steered the country away from any deterioration of the volatile situation in the West Philippine Sea," Bautista said.

"My belief that Vice Admiral Ronnie Gavan will do the same is anchored on his record of shifting to the White Hull Approach in securing our maritime borders and his introduction of female radio operators, called Angels of the Sea, as a way of diffusing tension in the sea conflict," he added.

Gavan is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Maalab Class of 1993. He served as the PCG's Deputy Commandant for Administration before his appointment to commandant.