BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Western Visayas welcomed the delegates of this year’s Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) in this city on Monday, June 24.
MARPOLEX delegates from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and the United States arrive at the Bredco Port in Bacolod City on Monday, June 24. (Glazyl Masculino)
Japan’s PLH 02 TSUGARU and Indonesia’s KN TRISULA P111 vessels arrived at the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. (Bredco) Port here on Monday to participate in MARPOLEX from June 25 to 28.
Capt. Weniel Azcuna, commander of Coast Guard District Western Visayas, underscored the importance of a unified and coordinated approach through the conduct of the MARPOLEX to achieve greater effectiveness and resilience amid the challenges posed by marine pollution.
“Today marks the beginning of a very significant week-long event, where we come together as a united front to advance our collaborative efforts in marine pollution response and maritime safety,” Azcuna said.
Azcuna said that active participation of the Japan and Indonesia Coast Guard in this year’s exercise hosted by the Philippines exemplifies their strong and enduring partnership.
“Your expertise, experience, and dedication are invaluable assets that will significantly contribute to the success of this exercise,” he added.
The PCG welcomed Coast Guard observers from the United States, Vietnam, and Korea.
Azcuna said he looks forward to working with them and have a fruitful collaboration and sharing of best practices to strengthen their partnerships.
Azcuna acknowledged the PCG BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV 8301) led by its commanding officer, Capt. Lawrence Roque, which arrived in this city from Davao City to join the exercise.
“The PCG’s active participation and hosting of the MARPOLEX underscores our commitment to regional maritime safety and environmental protection,” he said.
Azcuna said that this opportunity will strengthen their bonds, exchange knowledge, and improve their response capabilities.
“Let us work together with a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, united in our mission to safeguard our maritime environments.”
Indonesia Coast Guard KN TRISULA P111 commanding officer, Capt. Satria Aji Yudha, said they are very pleased to join the event and expressed gratitude and appreciation to the PCG and the local government for their warm welcome to them.
“We hope this will be successful and we can have an improved experience and more friendship with the participants,” Yudha said.
Japan Coast Guard PLH 02 TSUGARU commanding officer, Capt. Mori Naoki, said that they are very pleased to arrive here on schedule after traveling from their country on June 10.
Naoki said that it is their third visit in the country since 2019. “We are honored to be able to participate in this MARPOLEX in order to protect the beautiful sea of Sulawesi,” he added.
Exercises to be conducted on June 26 include search and rescue, firefighting, and operations on oil spill recovery, equipment recovery, and damage assessment.