The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has shared a glimpse of their comprehensive maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea last month.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, May 6, the PCG released a video of Coast Guard personnel who participated in the various training to hone their skills in protecting the country’s maritime zone.
“Sa video na ito, matutunghayan ang iba't-ibang pagsasanay ng mga PCG personnel para lalong mahasa ang kanilang kakayanan sa pagtataguyod ng maritime security, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, at marine environmental protection (In this video, watch the various trainings of PCG personnel to further hone their skills in promoting maritime security, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection),” the post read.
According to the PCG, some professionals onboard and participated in the training were lawyers, doctors, and nurses among others.
During the operation, PCG personnel studied ship position determination, cross track bearing using Azimuth circle and nautical chart, publication familiarization, and cathodic protection test.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said the Coast Guard ships that include the BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) and the BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403); and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ships BRP Francisco Dagohoy (MMOV-5002), MCS-3001, MCS-3002, and MCS-3008 are currently deployed in the West Philippine Sea.
They conducted maritime exercises last April 23 to May 3 near the Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales and Pagasa Island which is within the territory of Palawan.
The PCG ships drove away seven foreign ships believed to be manned by Chinese militias from the Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea conducting maritime patrol together with ships from the BFAR last April 27
The PCG, in cooperation with the BFAR, said they are preparing for the second leg of the comprehensive maritime exercise.