Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr. has challenged the Coast Guard personnel to step up their presence in the West Philippine Sea to assert the country’s maritime sovereignty.
During the recognition ceremony of PCG and of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels, Ursabia acknowledged their efforts in maintaining maritime security and maritime safety in the tension-filled waters.
"These are the two main objectives that we need to accomplish — stepping up our presence and flying the Philippine flag with a sense of pride in the West Philippine Sea. We have to do our part in a peaceful and rules-based manner in performing our duties," Ursabia said on Tuesday, May 25.
The PCG commandant reminded personnel to remain humble and continue to serve with humility and compassion even the overwhelming support from the public.
"We now have the attention, trust, and confidence of the Filipino people and the global community. Pero huwag tayong magyayabang, dahil hindi gusto ni Lord na nagyayabang tayo (But let us not boast, because the Lord does not want us to boast). Let us remain humble and compassionate for that is how Coast Guardians should be," Ursabia shared.
Ursabia also expressed his gratitude for the performance of the Coast Guard personnel deployed in the West Philippine Sea.
“Thank you very much for such very impressive and exemplary performance. I am proud to see that all of you are fully embracing such virtues,” he added.
During its maritime exercises, the PCG ships drove away seven foreign ships believed to be manned by Chinese militias from the Sabina Shoal in the WPS on April 27.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said they will continue to intensify maritime patrols and plans for the third phase of maritime drills to further assert the country’s maritime territory.