The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed on Monday, June 6, the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) after its “successful” maiden mission in Makassar, Indonesia last month.
The PCG held an arrival ceremony for BRP Teresa Magbanua at Port Area in Manila along with BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) after their week-long participation in the Regional Maritime Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2022 from May 22 to 29.
Two other ships that also joined the Indonesia mission, BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) and BRP Cape Engano (MRRV-4411), were also recognized at the ceremony although they stayed in Zamboanga for their next mission.
Prior to their arrival, the sailing crew of the BRP Gabriela Silang conducted a General Quarters (GQ) drill, firefighting drill, and boarding patrol in the vicinity waters of Naso Point, Antique.
“Layunin ng mga pagsasanay na ito na pag-ibayuhin ang kakayanan ng mga Philippine Coast Guard personnel sa maritime security para maging mabilis ang pagresponde kung sakaling magkaroon ng security breaches lalo na sa mga itinuturing na high-risk areas (These exercises aim to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard personnel in maritime security to enable them to respond faster in case of security breaches especially in high-risk areas),” the PCG explained.
The four vessels sailed to Indonesia last month to join in the MARPOLEX 2022 where they trained with the Directorate of Sea Transportation (DGST) of the Republic of Indonesia and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) to enhance their cooperation and capability in firefighting, rescue, and oil spill recovery operations through planning, command and control, and the conduct of integrated operations.
"Our continuing partnership with the Directorate General for Sea Transportation (DGST) of Indonesia and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) also strengthened our interoperability which was a victory for all of us. Our contingent brought pride not only to the PCG but also to the Philippines. They have represented our organization and our country with great pride and honor," said Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant.
"I would like to convey my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the participants, planners, controllers, members of the task group, and the Secretariat who dedicated their efforts and time to make the Regional MARPOLEX 2022 an overwhelming success. We have faced several challenges due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, but you have surpassed them all through cooperation, dedication, and teamwork," he added.
Abu also conferred the Outstanding Achievement Medal to 12 ranking officers and 374 other members of the PCG contingent to the Regional MARPOLEX 2022.
Among the recipients of the award were Vice Adm. Rolando Lizor Punzalan, Head of Delegation; Rear Adm. Robert Patrimonio, Exercise Co-Director; Commo. Hostillo Arturo Cornelio, Exercise Deputy Co-Director; Rear Adm. Charlie Rances, Task Group Commander; Capt. Fideles Sallidao, Exercise Chief Controller; Cmdr. Elgene Jalon Gregorio, Logistics Planner;
Capt. Lazaro Ernesto Valdez Jr., Head Secretariat; Lt. Jr. Grade Gerald Cordero, OIC, OSRT; Cmdr. Erwin Tolentino, Commanding Officer of MRRV-9701; Cmdr. Dionilett Ampil, Commanding Officer of OPV-8301; Lt. Cmdr. Bernard Ventura, Commanding Officer of MRRV-4411; and Capt. Ivan Roldan, Commanding Officer of MRRV-4403.