The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) are both committed to promoting maritime security and safety in the Indo-Pacific region amid emerging security challenges.

This was underscored by PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan during the courtesy visit of JCG Commandant Adm. Shohei Ishii at the PCG headquarters in Manila on Saturday, Nov. 4.

"When we speak of the Japan Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, we don't merely refer to organizations working together – we are, in the truest sense, friends, partners, and allies. Our shared commitment to maritime security, safety, and humanitarian assistance has forged a bond that transcends the usual diplomatic ties," Gavan said.

Gavan stated that both the PCG and JCG share and value the principle of "purity of being white" which refers to the use of non-military force to protect, serve and save lives at sea.

According to Gavan, the Philippines is "at the forefront" of maritime safety and security in the Indo-Pacific.

As such, he emphasized the importance of Japan's assistance to develop the PCG's capabilities so it can address various security challenges in the region.

Japan has provided the PCG with numerous human resource development programs including the Maritime Safety and Security Policy (MSP) program which has honed Filipino senior officers to be technical experts in the field, as well as the acquisition of capital assets such as 10 units of 44-meter and two units of 97-meter multi role response vessels (MRRV).

Both the Philippines and Japan are facing a multitude of challenges in the Indo-Pacific with the activities of China within its respective territorial seas.

While China claims parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the JCG said that it has recorded activities by China Coast Guard vessels around Senkaku Islands "including research activities by oceanographic research vessels without prior consent of agreement of Japan" and "illegal fishing near Yamato-Bank."

Gavan encouraged Ishii to conduct more cooperative engagements to address shared regional security challenges.

"In all these, we are deeply cognizant of the invaluable assistance and expertise that Japan has generously shared with us, and we are committed to harnessing this support to further enhance our capabilities and contribute to regional stability," Gavan said.

Meanwhile, Gavan thanked Ishii for dropping by at the PCG as he said the visit "reinforces the enduring ties that bind our organizations and our nations." 

"Rest assured that the Philippine Coast Guard, your brother in the service, will always be with you in promotion of our common interests, in overcoming our challenges and as been said in the recent Coast Guard Global Summit, in passing on a 'peaceful, beautiful and bountiful seas' to the next generation," he said.

"Let today be a testament of our strengthened bond, cooperation and friendship. On this, I enjoin everyone to more productive discussions and fruitful collaboration as we continue to stand as beacons of maritime security and cooperation in this dynamic and challenging world," Gavan concluded.