THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will conduct its first-ever trilateral maritime exercise with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) at the vicinity waters off Mariveles, Bataan, from 01 to 07 June 2023.
The PCG will deploy BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401), and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel, while the USCG and JCG will send USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) and Akitsushima (PLH-32), respectively.
The PCG acquired the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and the participating 44-meter MRRV through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-Department of Transportation (DOTr) Maritime Safety Improvement Project.
The PCG-USCG-JCG maritime exercise would strengthen interoperability through communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue (SAR), and passing exercises.
Participating Coast Guard personnel will demonstrate a scenario involving a suspected vessel involved in piracy. The joint law enforcement team from the three Coast Guards will conduct a boarding inspection followed by a SAR operation.
On behalf of PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, PCG Officer-in-Charge, CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr, said the PCG-USCG-JCG maritime exercise would also improve maritime cooperation and understanding.
“The US Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard have been assisting us in our human resource development program, particularly in law enforcement training. This is a good opportunity to thank and show them what our personnel learned from their programs,” CG Vice Admiral Punzalan Jr added.
Furthermore, the week-long engagement will involve a sporting event to strengthen the three Coast Guards’ camaraderie, a special interest exchange for women in maritime law enforcement, and an expert exchange for PCG personnel’s professional development.
The PCG will invite US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson, Embassy of Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Kenichi Matsuda, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, and JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Takema Sakamoto to welcome the USCG and JCG contingents through an arrival ceremony at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila, on 01 June 2023.
