NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PCG Conducts First Ever Trilateral Maritime Exercises
Photo credit: PCG
Manila, Philippines - In a significant display of cooperation and partnership, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to embark on its first-ever trilateral maritime exercise, alongside the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). The exercise, known as the First-Ever Trilateral Maritime Exercise, is scheduled to take place from 1st to 7th June 2023 in the waters off Mariveles, Bataan.
To ensure the success of the joint exercise, the PCG will deploy several vessels, including the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401), and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel. The USCG will contribute the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752), while the JCG will participate with the Akitsushima (PLH-32).
The acquisition of the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and the 44-meter multi-role response vessel was made possible through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-Department of Transportation (DOTr) Maritime Safety Improvement Project, demonstrating the ongoing cooperation between the Philippines and Japan in enhancing maritime security.
The PCG-USCG-JCG maritime exercise aims to strengthen interoperability among the participating Coast Guards through a series of activities. These include communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue operations, as well as passing exercises. Notably, a scenario involving a suspected vessel engaged in piracy will be staged, allowing the joint law enforcement team to conduct a boarding inspection followed by a search and rescue operation.
Speaking on behalf of PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, PCG Officer-in-Charge, CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr, emphasized that the exercise would also serve to improve maritime cooperation and understanding. He stated, "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 have learned from their programs."
In addition to the operational exercises, the week-long engagement will incorporate other activities to foster camaraderie and promote knowledge sharing. These include a sporting event to strengthen the bonds between the three Coast Guards, a special interest exchange focusing on women in maritime law enforcement, and an expert exchange to facilitate the professional development of PCG personnel.
To mark the commencement of the exercise, the PCG will host an arrival ceremony at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila on 1st June 2023. The event will be attended by distinguished guests, including U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Kenichi Matsuda from the Embassy of Japan, Secretary Enrique Manalo from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Secretary Jaime Bautista from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Takema Sakamoto.
This ceremony aims to extend a warm welcome to the USCG and JCG contingents.
The First-Ever Trilateral Maritime Exercise signifies a milestone in regional cooperation among the coast guards of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan. By enhancing joint capabilities and fostering closer ties, this exercise is expected to contribute significantly to maritime security and safety in the region.
To ensure the success of the joint exercise, the PCG will deploy several vessels, including the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401), and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel. The USCG will contribute the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752), while the JCG will participate with the Akitsushima (PLH-32).
The acquisition of the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and the 44-meter multi-role response vessel was made possible through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-Department of Transportation (DOTr) Maritime Safety Improvement Project, demonstrating the ongoing cooperation between the Philippines and Japan in enhancing maritime security.
The PCG-USCG-JCG maritime exercise aims to strengthen interoperability among the participating Coast Guards through a series of activities. These include communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue operations, as well as passing exercises. Notably, a scenario involving a suspected vessel engaged in piracy will be staged, allowing the joint law enforcement team to conduct a boarding inspection followed by a search and rescue operation.
Speaking on behalf of PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, PCG Officer-in-Charge, CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr, emphasized that the exercise would also serve to improve maritime cooperation and understanding. He stated, "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 have learned from their programs."
In addition to the operational exercises, the week-long engagement will incorporate other activities to foster camaraderie and promote knowledge sharing. These include a sporting event to strengthen the bonds between the three Coast Guards, a special interest exchange focusing on women in maritime law enforcement, and an expert exchange to facilitate the professional development of PCG personnel.
To mark the commencement of the exercise, the PCG will host an arrival ceremony at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila on 1st June 2023. The event will be attended by distinguished guests, including U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Kenichi Matsuda from the Embassy of Japan, Secretary Enrique Manalo from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Secretary Jaime Bautista from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Takema Sakamoto.
This ceremony aims to extend a warm welcome to the USCG and JCG contingents.
The First-Ever Trilateral Maritime Exercise signifies a milestone in regional cooperation among the coast guards of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan. By enhancing joint capabilities and fostering closer ties, this exercise is expected to contribute significantly to maritime security and safety in the region.
May 29, 2023
