This year’s Pasidungug is made extra special with non-other than our very own Antiqueño and fellow Kasubay, 𝐂𝐆 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭. 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐢𝐥, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard District National Capital Region and Central Luzon, as Guest Speaker.

The lack of financial resources to study outside the province prompted Capt. Marfil to enroll at then Polytechnic State College of Antique and took up Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Program. After graduating in 1996, he completed his apprenticeship onboard the interisland shipping, Negros Navigation. He took the Board Exam for 4th Marine Engineer on the same year.

While trying his luck in applying at International Shipping Agencies in Manila, a friend offered for him to take the Philippine Coast Guard exam which he passed with flying colors and he was sent to the Coast Guard Officer’s School in San Narciso, Zambales. From then on, he continued to serve our beloved country, the Philippines.

It was in his time as Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard’s forces stationed in Subic where he led the impounding of a North Korean Vessel, MV Jin Teng, along with its officers and crew, as part of the country’s commitment to UN sanctions against North Korea in response to its nuclear test and recent missile launches.

In 2021, he was appointed as Commanding Officer of various Multi-Role Response Vessel, Multi-mission Offshore vessel with sensitive assignments in protecting the country’s sovereign rights in the contested West Philippine Sea conducting Rotational Humanitarian Mission. During that time, he earned his coveted Command-At-Sea Badge and was conferred with Distinguished Coast Guard Bronze Cross and Ribbon for the distinguished heroism in the face of great danger above and beyond the call of duty while conducting maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea.

While in service, Capt. Marfil received notable awards and commendations. Among them is the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal for involving risk of life in the conduct of Search and Rescue operations resulting in saving the lives of passengers and crew of M/V Superferry 14, which sunk after a terrorist bombing attack by the Abu Sayaf Group in 2004. He also received the Coast Guard Merit Medal with 1st Bronze Dolphin in connection with the successful campaign against illegal fishing at vicinity Lamon Bay, Quezon Province, the Coast Guard Superior Achievement Medal for meritorious and exemplary service rendered during the conduct of Campaign on the Safety of Marginalized Fishermen at Surigao City, Surigao and Coron, Palawan, the Coast Guard Merit Medal for the successful conduct of Search, Rescue and Recovery Operations for the victims of Laoag International Air Flight L47-585 which crash landed at vicinity waters Manila bay and many more.

CG Capt. Jonathan Marfil continues to serve the country until today. He truly is a modern-day hero, an Antiqueño, and a proud Kasubay!

𝑃ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑃ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝐺𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑑