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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, US coast guards hold passing exercise near Lubang Island after presence of Chinese ship

PH, US coast guards hold passing exercise near Lubang Island after presence of Chinese ship

Published Jul 17, 2024 09:08 am

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) completed a joint passing exercise (PASSEX) off Lubang Island in Mindoro, a ranking official said on Wednesday, July 17, after authorities monitored the presence of a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship there.
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US Coast Guard Cutter Waesche sails off Lubang Island in Mindoro on July 17, 2024 as it holds a passing exercise with the Philippine Coast Guard. (Photo: PCG)

By MARTIN A. SADONGDONG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) completed a joint passing exercise (PASSEX) off Lubang Island in Mindoro, a ranking official said on Wednesday, July 17, after authorities monitored the presence of a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship there.

PCG’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and USCG Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751) started the exercise at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, and completed it by 12 noon on the same day.

“The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two Coast Guard services in the areas of maritime safety and environmental protection,” Commo. Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS), said.

The PASSEX exercise focused on simulating various scenarios including search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, communication exercises (COMEX), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

A video handout released by the PCG showed BRP Melchora Aquino firing water cannon at one point of the exercise. Tarriela explained that the use of water cannon by the PCG vessel was to simulate a firefighting scenario.

Tarriela said the exercise highlighted the “closer and expanding relations” between the coast guard organizations of the two allied nations.

“By sharing best practices, concepts, doctrines, and standard operating procedures, the PCG and USCG enhance their respective capabilities to respond to maritime emergencies and contingencies,” he noted.

The drills came just as the Philippine Navy (PN) monitored the presence of CCG vessel “5303” at approximately 60 nautical miles west of Luzon mainland or off the coast of Lubang Island in Mindoro last Sunday.

The PN said that the Chinese vessel was just conducting an innocent passage and exercising freedom of navigation but it still reported the sighting to the PCG.

Related Tags

lubang island US COAST GUARD PCG
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