A native of Manila, Commodore Carlos Leong Agustin AFP (Ret) graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, USA in 1960. He took Weapons Systems Engineering at the US Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA; Naval Staff Course at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London, UK; NR course in National Security Management at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, U.S. NDU; and Advanced Intelligence Course at the Special Intel Training School at AFP. He earned his MBA at the Ateneo de Manila University, graduating in 1978.

Commodore Agustin served with the Philippine Navy in various staff and command positions, including command of 5 naval ships and 3 Task Groups. He later served as Defense Attaché Washington, DC (1985-88), Chief of Personnel (J1) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (1988-90), and Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (1990-93).

Upon retirement from service in 1993, he was appointed General Manager, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) (1993-98) and was a member of the Board of Governors at the World Maritime University (Malmo, Sweden) in concurrent capacity (1992-98). He was the first Administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) (1995-97). During the time, Agustin was cited by President Fidel V Ramos as the one responsible for originating the successful separation of the Philippine Coast Guard from the Philippine Navy that was formalized in 1996, via the enactment of the revised Coast Guard Law in 2009.

Commodore Agustin was later appointed President of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) (2001- 2010). He was also one of 5 Philippine Experts and Eminent Persons in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF EEP) (2002-2012), and continued his Track 2 engagement in Confidence Building with Chinese think tanks through the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations (PCFR).

He served as Director of Subic Bay Development and Industrial Estates Corporation (SUDECO) and sister companies (2010-2020). Commodore Agustin was President of the Maritime League; Chairman of the monthly Maritime Forum; and publisher of the bi-monthly magazine, The Maritime Review. Concurrently, he was the Secretary General of ANI (Advocates of National Interests), and Class President of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1959.

He was so blessed to be taken swiftly on Easter Sunday, 12-April-2020, at dusk around 6 p.m. due to cardiac arrest. His wife, Medy, and children — Kay, Carla, Jay, Christine and their families, and his 7 grandchildren, survive him.

Commodore Agustin was well respected and much loved by friends from the military and other fields. He had a sharp mind coupled with long years of naval experience that made him the perfect chairman at maritime meetings or conferences. He was a soft-spoken and honorable person, a straight arrow who worked diligently to attain his goals without sacrificing his principles. He valued camaraderie most of all, and used the Maritime Forum to foster this among the attendees, all to promote the interest of the maritime industry. Truly, he will be terribly missed by many people in all walks of life.

In Commodore Agustin’s Facebook page, several people had posted notes to him when they heard of his untimely passing.  Here are some of the very touching messages, after his eldest daughter, Kay Agustin Dela Paz, posted the announcement:  “It is with extreme sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved papa, Commo. Carlos “Chuck” L. Agustin. He joined our heavenly Father on Easter Sunday, 12-April-2020 at 6:21 pm after suffering a cardiac arrest. Thank you all for your prayers.”

“So long Tito Chuck, thank you for all the help and warm friendship you have given our family. Please give my tightest hugs to dad. Have a great reunion with dad in Heaven. We will miss you 🙁 ”  — John Victor A. Casas

“Farewell, Tito Chuck. We’ll miss your emails, texts, and Viber group chat. Thanks for all the happy memories.” — Gen Perfecto

“I will miss you, Tito Chuck Agustin RIP ❤” — Karl Misa Garcia

“Rest in peace Uncle Chuck Agustin, I will never forget you, Uncle. Thank you very much for everything you have done for me. I will pray for our Lord God to guide you. Sad I can’t even go to you, Uncle. 🙁” — Peter John Francisco Agustin

“Goodbye, Sir Chuck Agustin. He was never selfish of his time. Always willing to have coffee, listen and have a tete-a-tete with his underclassmen and those seemingly of lesser stature than him. His words of wisdom will be missed. His kindness, the most. Rest in God’s eternal peace, Sir Chuck. God has sounded your taps.” — Dan Jimenez

“A person lost here on earth, but a good soul gained in heaven. Thanks, Sir Chuck for the life you shared.” — Brad Roel Rodriguez

“Thank you and farewell, Commo Carlos “Chuck” Leung Agustin AFP (Ret) – an inspiring mentor, a resolute boss and a dear friend. He lived a life of substance, sharing, and sincerity. He lent his time, energy and passion to so many causes. His firm gentleness guides a ship like the wind. As President of NDCP, he steered into completion many bold ideas from the DMI team, from the Young Leaders Program to the International Conference on Security. He supported my foreign schooling twice, even if it meant the INSS would be devoid of a Director and a Deputy. He contributed substantively to strategic discussions. Before the lockdown, he was breathing down my neck about FVR’s book donation to NDCP and my PhD. Don’t worry sir, WILCO. Commo Agustin, maraming salamat po! You will be sorely missed. Paalam. Rest In Peace. ❤” — Charie Joaquin

“I am very saddened to hear about the loss of this good man. But his influence remains with me forever.” — Stephen P. Cutler

“Our condolences to the bereaved family of Commodore Agustin. A man of honor and integrity, I’ve known him as a leader in his own right. As NDCP President, I served under him as Professor and Course Director. He will be missed but the legacy he left NDCP will not be forgotten. Rest in eternal Peace, Commodore Agustin.” — Roque Magno

“Farewell to another esteemed cavalier. Rest in Peace Sir Chuck Agustin! Sail away… The NDCP Family is one with the Philippine defense and security community as we express our condolences to Commodore Agustin’s family. It was an honor to have served the country with you, Sir Chuck. “As you sail out on the Heavenly Seas, may the wind be ever at your back. Fair weather, and God speed.” — Almar Pantaleon

“The Board of Directors of the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Commo Carlos L Agustin AFP, a member of PCFR’s Board of Trustees and Editorial Board. Commodore Chuck, as he was fondly called, significantly contributed to PCFR’s efforts in assisting the National Security Adviser craft the National Security Policy and National Security Strategy, which were recognized by President Duterte. He was a member of the PMA Class of 1959 and graduated at USNA in 1960.” — Jose Buenaflor Jimenez III

“The PPA expresses its deepest condolences to the grieving family of former General Manager Commodore Carlos “Chuck” L Agustin who joined our Creator last night, 12-April-2020. Flags in all PPA facilities this week shall be flown at half-mast to honor him as we all pray for the eternal repose of the soul of the good Commodore.” — Philippine Ports Authority

“My most sincere condolence to the entire Agustin family. Commodore was a great mentor not only as our PPA GM but also for his greater vision for the maritime industry.” — Dave R. Simon

“The employees of PPA and I deeply mourn the untimely demise of our former General Manager Commodore Chuck Agustin. Our Sir GM was the one who invited me to join MF even after my retirement from PPA. He was such a kind, generous, thoughtful gentleman. Prayers for the eternal repose of his soul as well as strength for the Agustin family.” — Emma Susara

“A very honorable, dignified and kind-hearted person. With deepest condolences and sympathy to the Agustin Family from Sam, Myline & Tim.” — Samuel Antonio Castano

“Indeed, an honorable man! He will always be remembered and missed. Thank you Kuya Chuck, Rest In Peace.” — Joy Intengan

“May God bless and comfort you, Kay, and your family during this difficult period. Please accept my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Commodore Chuck Agustin, President of Maritime League of the Philippines.” — Glenn Mark Blasquez

“Jay, I write on behalf of Captain Andrew ‘Andy’ Malpass and Mrs Fiona Malca, President and Chief Finance Officer respectively of Pandiman Philippines, Inc. to express their condolences on the passing of your father. Chuck and my husband, the late Capt Frederick ‘Freddie’ Clemo, were good personal friends and shared a mutual interest in the maritime arena of the Philippines. Chuck was also a good friend of Pandiman on a corporate level.  Soon after my husband Captain Malpass had died, the VP of Pandiman was called to a Senate Hearing on a pollution dispute off the Bolinao coast. The vessel suspected of causing the pollution was listed with one of our principals in UK and was not the cause of the pollution. Having newly taken over the position of President following Freddie’s death, I was to accompany Andy to the Hearing, and was nervous of the outcome. I called your father and although I only gave him an hour’s notice, he was there at my side for the whole Hearing, his very presence giving Andy and me invaluable support. We eventually won that case. We shall miss your father and feel very sad that he is no longer with us. May he rest in peace and may you and the family find solace together in this time of grief.” — Janet Clemo

“To the Agustin family, perhaps we can extend each other mutual sympathies. We are all family of the archipelagic State and maritime Philippines to whom he offered full devotion and competence to its construction. A fitting farewell thought would be the line “home is the sailor, home from sea,” and his earthly home is the archipelagic maritime Philippines. I met Commodore Agustin when he was already in retirement from govt service, in both defense/military and civilian agencies addressing maritime concerns and issues. After having joined and attended activities of the MBF (later MF) and recognizing the breadth and depth of his knowledge and experience on modern nation-building requirements and aspirations of the Philippines as an archipelagic State, l offered to host MF in behalf of the DFA for the first meeting every year in January so that foreign policy can be given primacy in this regard. I also sought his participation in the PH negotiating panel to the Philippines-Indonesia maritime boundary delimitation process.  My personal admiration for Commodore Agustin is that he COMMANDS attention and respect through his soft-spoken and persuasive nature. I am optimistic that the MF that he founded and steered through all these years can find a worthy successor, cementing a historical legacy.” — Amb. Alberto A. Encomienda

“A thankful nation bids farewell to a paragon of excellent public service as the country has lost a great man, a stalwart pillar of the maritime industry and security sector. He shall be fondly remembered as a servant-leader, a think-tank, a prime mover, a friend to all, an outstanding officer and a true gentlemen –must be the most revered and best (5∗) Commodore there was! So long, Commodore Carlos “Chuck” L Agustin Sir! Yours is a well-spent, unselfish and meaningful life. You now have risen with Jesus Christ on this Easter Sunday. Rest in peace with our Lord God Almighty. ❤” — Icefire Rudyard

“We are saddened by the passing of our tireless mentor and guide. Our deepest condolences to the family of Sir Chuck Agustin.” — Atty Elma Leogarde

“He is a very big loss to many especially to different organizations and civic clubs. We have to accept the call of his Creator. May his soul rest in peace with Him. I deeply condole with his family, and those who love our dear Chuck.” — Col Niceto Festin

“Condolence to the family. Rest in Peace, my mentor, Sir Chuck.” — BGEN Resty Aguilar

“I was extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Sir Chuck. So unexpected and sudden. I could still remember his gentle persuasive voice during our PCFR discussions. He was always a firm patriotic anchor, a lighthouse of ideas, and a living compass of strategic thought. My prayers and condolences go to the bereaved Agustin family. Rest in peace in the grace of Our Risen Lord, Sir Chuck.” — MGEN Guillermo Molina

“Our deepest condolences. Chuck was a champion, mentor, and friend.” — Capt Montoya APFI

“Fair Winds and Following Seas! Go Navy!” — Capt Sonny Busa PA

“Rest in peace po, Sir Chuck. Thank you for the words of wisdom that you shared. I will surely miss your fatherly advice. My deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.” — Capt Carlo Lagasca PN

“Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21 KJV. Chuck lead a life well lived for God’s glory.” — Capt Roy Trinidad N3

“Commo Agustin was a very good husband to his wife Medy, good father and provider to his children and well-loved by his contemporaries, fellow officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees. A simple and sincere friend, he will surely be missed. Heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family Mrs. Medy Agustin, children Kay, Carla, Jay and Christine, the members and wives of PMA Class’59. We join the family in prayer for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace. The Sadiarin Family condoles with the Agustin family in their time of grief. Chuck influenced my career life and strongly recommended my assignment in Washington DC as his replacement. We will miss him. Jay is a very good friend of my sons Mike, Jon and Rommel. Commo Chuck Agustin was my Commanding Officer aboard RPS Catanduanes, PS62 as a young Ensign. I was privileged to relieve him as Naval Attache at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. When he was Editor-in-Chief of the PMA Cavalier Magazine for over a decade, I was his “Class Call’ Editor. He was a very brilliant and professional officer, and we will surely miss him. Sir Chuck was a family friend. My elder brother, William, was his bosom friend. As plebes, they were bunkmates, both Charlie Company. After 1 year, Chuck left for Annapolis while William left for West Point. Both graduated in 1960. I first met Chuck when he was Tac O and I was a plebe in 1965. We met again in 1978, when I joined J2, GHQ. We were Division Chiefs. I was Foreign Liaison, Warly was Production, and Chuck was Operations. I witnessed at close range his dedication, and love for work. He was Mr. Hawkeye. He started the Decal System for vehicles in AFP. When he left J2, no one could handle his Division as it was, so it had to be split into operations and CI. Doming Salac took operations and I took CI. There was a joke in J2: Do not takeover from Chuck, otherwise no matter how good you are, you will be considered incompetent as compared to Chuck. To Sir Chuck – Fair winds, Blue Skies and Following Seas.” — Capt Warlino J. Sadlarin PN

“A great friend, a great man, one of the best naval officer and gentleman is gone. May Carlos Leung Agustin Rest in Peace.” — Commodore Plaridel Garcia

“Thank you, Sir Chuck for your faithful and honorable service to the nation. You have been a true leader and inspiration. Rest in peace.” — VADM Boy Vingson

“Our sincerest condolences to the Agustin family! We will definitely miss Commodore Agustin. He was a pillar and a beacon not only in the maritime industry but also to the nation! May he be in eternal rest with the Lord our God.” — VADM Alex Pama

“We request our friends to pray for the repose of the soul of Commodore Carlos Chuck Agustin, a friend, golf mate, advisor, partner, associate, and a wise and trusted guide. Our condolences to the bereaved family, and prayers for the repose of Sir Chuck’s soul.” — VADM Reuben Lista

“I am so devastated with what happened to Sir Chuck. Praying for the eternal repose of his soul. Our heartfelt condolences. Chuck’s legacy in the maritime sector will not go in vain as we who are his underlings will continue his ideals for the good of the industry!” — VADM Edmund Tan

“I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Sir Chuck. I first met him in 1984 upon my return from a 6-week training in US. As a protocol, I called on him for a departure call when he was the Coast Guard Chief of Staff because Navy headquarters issued my relief from the Coast Guard to Naval Training Command. He learned about the course I took and asked me if I wanted to be at the Coast Guard Training Center instead. I accepted. The next time I met him was during the crafting of the proposed National Defense Act in 2005, as we were both members of the Defense Department Working Committee. Five years later before my retirement, he recommended me to succeed him at NDCP but I ended up at AFP-RSBS. In 2015, he invited me through other naval officers to the Maritime Forum and subsequently to the Maritime Review Editorial Board. For the past 5 years, I have learned a lot from him from conference leadership to change management, but most important of all, the values of continuing education, teamwork, humility, frugality, and integrity. Rest in eternal peace, Sir Chuck. You have reached your destination with flying honors!” — VADM Emilio Marayag Jr

“Our deepest sympathies and fervent prayers for the entire Agustin family for the death of Sir Chuck who was highly esteemed by everyone! We are all so deeply saddened by this news! God bless.” — VADM Bob Empedrad PN FOIC

“I read the MF thread today. This news is truly a great shock. We included Chuck in our family zoom blessing yesterday and again during the papal mass. He was my mentor since my cadet days 55 years ago. He left a lasting legacy in the AFP, PN, PCG, PPA and the maritime industry. He will surely be missed and we shall continue praying for his eternal repose and for his family in this time of grief. God bless!” — VADM Edd Santos MAAP

“I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept my faith” 2 Timothy 4:7. Rest in peace, Sir Chuck, mentor, fatherly Boss, and friend.” — ADM Damian Carlos

“Sir Chuck –an advocate of Peace and Unity! A great loss to our maritime industry. A great joy to his Buddy. Rest well. We salute you Sir!” — Cong Oging Mercado

“My family and I are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Commodore Carlos Agustin whom we consider a father and good friend. We will offer masses and prayers for the eternal repose of his soul. Till we meet again Sir.” — Romeo Rojas

“I am overcome with sadness by this news of Commodore Agustin’s passing. He was a great friend and mentor. As he passed, I was offering then the mass of Pope Francis for his recovery. I did not realize that he had joined our Lord in perfect time. Now we ask for his prayers from where he sits in Heaven for us, the Maritime League, the nation, and the world.” — Phillip Ong

“My deep, deep condolences for the passing of your father. I am so sorry. My heart cries painfully from within. He was a true friend from my high school days when he would visit my father in our home in Maryland through our work in government, and to our present work in the private sector. He always reached out to my family and to Carlitos’ family. That I am a member of the Maritime Forum is his initiative. I am praying for him now. God bless the Agustin family. Chuck and I understood each other. He encouraged our relations on security sector reforms when I headed the Commission on Human Rights. He was an honest man and he opened himself to all. Carlitos Cunanan died first, then Roy Golez, now Chuck –all friends of mine who believed in human rights and the rule of law. Perhaps it is because they had faith in a God who is now leveling the playing field. I was listening to the Holy Father who said to all of us, “Do not be afraid.” My dear friends in the security sector, at the time Chuck was leaving us for a new journey much closer to his Maker, perhaps God was telling him too, “Do not be afraid.” What a beautiful time to die in the day of Resurrection – for the living feeling more pain and suffering until we see the ray of light through our own collective strife; but for people like Chuck who died in that ray of hope, a beautiful journey to a new life in the warmth and light of his Creator. It is a journey to eternal bliss that everybody looks forward to. And God tells Chuck – “Do not be afraid.” What a beautiful message.” — Loretta Ann Rosales