NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippine Coast Guard Personnel Increases Amid Geopolitical Tension
Photo credit: Office of the President
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has expressed its appreciation for the support provided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in augmenting the agency's personnel. The additional 4,000 personnel hired in the first year of the president's term has increased the PCG's manpower to 26,000, with an expected increase of 4,000 more personnel by the end of this year, making it a 30,000-strong organization. This boost in personnel has significantly improved the PCG's capabilities amid increased geopolitical tension.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson, the president's support has complemented previous administrations' initiatives aimed at building the agency's capacity and personnel. Tarriela added that the PCG needs the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Law to enable the agency to acquire more assets such as offshore patrol vessels, additional aircraft, and enhance its Maritime Domain Awareness capability. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a coast guard response base and berthing spaces for the agency's vessels.
During the recent Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming, President Marcos said that the country would not cede any inch of its territory amid the current geopolitical tension. He promised to work with the country's allies to ensure the safety of Filipinos.
Tarriela also welcomed the possibility of conducting joint patrols with the United States Coast Guard, emphasizing the need to build a credible Philippine Navy to protect the country's territorial integrity. He encouraged Filipino fishermen operating in contested waters to report any untoward incident to the PCG, assuring them that the agency is always ready to respond and support their fishing activities.
Despite the dangers in the West Philippine Sea, Tarriela emphasized the PCG's commitment to complying with the president's directive that no square inch of the country's territory will be surrendered to any foreign power. He urged legislators to realign some of the budget from different sources, not just one particular source, to increase the PCG's budget, which is currently at Php23 billion. The agency is ready to accept any increase in funds, he said.
According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG spokesperson, the president's support has complemented previous administrations' initiatives aimed at building the agency's capacity and personnel. Tarriela added that the PCG needs the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Law to enable the agency to acquire more assets such as offshore patrol vessels, additional aircraft, and enhance its Maritime Domain Awareness capability. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a coast guard response base and berthing spaces for the agency's vessels.
During the recent Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Homecoming, President Marcos said that the country would not cede any inch of its territory amid the current geopolitical tension. He promised to work with the country's allies to ensure the safety of Filipinos.
Tarriela also welcomed the possibility of conducting joint patrols with the United States Coast Guard, emphasizing the need to build a credible Philippine Navy to protect the country's territorial integrity. He encouraged Filipino fishermen operating in contested waters to report any untoward incident to the PCG, assuring them that the agency is always ready to respond and support their fishing activities.
Despite the dangers in the West Philippine Sea, Tarriela emphasized the PCG's commitment to complying with the president's directive that no square inch of the country's territory will be surrendered to any foreign power. He urged legislators to realign some of the budget from different sources, not just one particular source, to increase the PCG's budget, which is currently at Php23 billion. The agency is ready to accept any increase in funds, he said.
Feb 26, 2023
