The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reiterated Wednesday, Oct. 19, its commitment to secure the country’s maritime territory amid continued reports of intrusion by foreign vessels.
Adm. Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, said they will continue to adhere President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive not to give even a square of an inch of the Philippine territory to other country.
“The President has guaranteed that not a square inch of Philippine territory will be abandoned to another nation. Rest assured that the Philippine Coast Guard is committed to the country’s position in ensuring territorial integrity,” Abu said during the celebration of the 121st founding anniversary of the PCG held in its headquarters in Port Area, Manila.
The PCG chief said they have intensified their presence in the hotly-contested West Philippine Sea (WPS) as well as in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) and Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Islands) as they continued to monitor the presence of Chinese Coast Guard ships and maritime militia in the areas.
Just last May, Abu said the PCG deployed five ships and air assets to install floating bouys on Lawak Island, Patag Island, Likas Island, and Parola Island all in the Kalayaan Island Group to serve as “sovereign markers” of the features and guide mariners passing through the area.
The PCG’s flagship vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701), was also deployed recently to support the resupply mission for Filipino soldiers stationed on Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea. During the mission, the troops monitored several Chinese vessels in the area.
Meanwhile, Marcos, who graced the anniversary, announced that he will support the modernization of the PCG so they can continue serving the country and the people.
The celebration was marked with the awarding of outstanding PCG officers and personnel, and sharing of the accomplishments and milestones of the organization.
Marcos also toured the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) as Abu showcased the offshore patrol vessel’s latest advanced facilities and equipment. The ship can transport approximately 500 people at one time and can run beyond its contractual specification of 20 knots of speed. It also has a range of 8,000 nautical miles and endurance of up to five weeks of non-stop operations.
Abu also honored the men and women of PCG who serve as responders in times of calamities such as typhoon and earthquake; the personnel of PCG Task Force Aduana who support the Bureau of Custom’s fight against smuggling; and those who are part of search and rescue (SAR) teams who saved more than 300 individuals from vessel collisions and fire onboard incidents and 5,000 others during at-sea and on land SAR operations in 2021.
“Kapag sinabing Coast Guard, alam agad na maagap kumilos at mabilis rumesponde. Kapag sinabing Coast Guard, nakagagawa ng paraan para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng kapwa Pilipino. At kapag sinabing Coast Guard, nasa puso ang pagseserbisyo – handang magsakripisyo para sa sinumpaang tungkulin sa bayan (If you say Coast Guard, you already know we’re quick to respond. If you say Coast Guard, we can find ways to address the needs of fellow Filipinos. And when you say Coast Guard, service is ingrained in our hearts, we are ready to sacrifice to fulfill our sworn duties for the country),” Abu said.