Photo from Philippine Coast Guard
Actress Julia Barretto has formally joined the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary K9 Squadron.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the PCG welcomed the actress to its ranks, with Commandant CG Admiral George Ursabia leading the oath-taking ceremonies of Auxiliary Ensign Barretto.
Barretto joined Auxiliarist Ando Cruise Catipay, Auxiliarist Jalil Laidan, and Auxiliarist Harold Jocel Talan, in the ceremony held at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila.
The actress’ boyfriend, Gerald Anderson, was also present in the event. Anderson is an auxiliary lieutenant commander of the PCGA K9 Squadron.
As the most senior appointee, Barretto was given an opportunity to speak on behalf of her fellow PCGA members.
She thanked the PCG for welcoming her into the field of public service.
Barretto pledged to actively support the initiatives of the unit “towards the delivery of humble and compassionate service to the Filipino people.”
Ursabia, meanwhile, thanked the new members of the PCGA who assured commitment to serve the nation by supporting the Coast Guard in the performance of humanitarian missions and disaster response operations.
He also highlighted the increasing need for K9 units in the country for the promotion of national security.
After more than a year of speculation on their possible romance, Anderson admitted in a one-on-one interview with host Boy Abunda last March that he is in a relationship with Barretto.
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Julia Barretto, Gerald Anderson, Philippine Coast Guard, PCG Auxiliary K9 Squadron