The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday, July 19, reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with National Security Adviser (NSA) Clarita Carlos to uphold and protect the country’s territorial integrity and maritime domain.
This came after Carlos visited the PCG Headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Monday where she was accorded arrival honors led by Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG commandant.
“During the courtesy visit, CG Admiral Abu shared the PCG's commitment to ensure the territorial integrity of our country, and maintain peace and order toward economic prosperity and progress,” said Commodore Armand Balilo, PCG spokesperson.
Carlos, meanwhile, said she will coordinate with the PCG to sustain the sovereignty patrols being jointly conducted by the PCG, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other related agencies in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Carlos also concurrently serves as the chairperson of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).
Abu then conveyed the PCG’s need for additional floating assets, equipment and personnel to intensify their maritime watch over the country’s 36,000-kilometer coastline.
After the meeting, Carlos boarded BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), the newly acquired multi-role response vessel of the PCG, for a guided tour.