The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it is prioritizing the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) aerial and marine assets to bolster the country's defense of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and prevent future oil spill incidents that threaten the marine environment.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista assured PCG officials of the agency's commitment to enhancing the Coast Guard's capabilities in responding to maritime incidents and securing the nation's coastlines, particularly in the contested waters of the WPS.

"What we should be prioritizing is the modernization of your sea and air assets. The DOTr's support for your modernization plan reflects our solidarity with your noble cause of protecting our seas," he said during a senior leaders' meeting with the PCG on Thursday, August 15.

Bautista underscored the salience of upgrading PCG resources, stressing that a modernized fleet is essential for fulfilling the PCG's various mandates, especially in ensuring a calculated and effective response to incidents in the WPS.

As such, he pledged the DOTr's support in helping the PCG achieve its goal of zero casualties in maritime incidents.

The transport chief further underscored the need for the PCG to assess its existing resources and strategize accordingly.

Bautista noted that emergency plans must be activated swiftly and automatically to prevent maritime disasters.

During the meeting, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, along with other PCG officials, discussed with the DOTr chief the status of the Coast Guard's modernization plans, including challenges related to maritime security and efforts in the West Philippine Sea.

Oil spill updates

In a Facebook post, the PCG provided updates on the recovery operations in Bataan as of 6 p.m. on August 14. The PCG reported that four of its divers conducted an underwater inspection of the MT Terranova.

"Coast Guard personnel sprayed dispersant on a metallic oil sheen trapped within the first layer of the spill boom located 400 meters south of ground zero," the post stated.

Meanwhile, the PCG noted that personnel patrolled Sitio Sibol, Barangay Mt. View in Mariveles, Bataan, to check for traces of an oil spill involving the MT Jason Bradley.

"The M/Tug Challenger repositioned the oil spill boom around the partially floated MTKR Jason Bradley to reduce the risk of oil leakage," it added.

Also, the PCG reported that the contracted salvor, Morning Star, conducted on-site preparations and diving operations to assess the condition of the aground MV Mirola 1.