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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider New Australian envoy commits to stronger maritime cooperation with PCG

New Australian envoy commits to stronger maritime cooperation with PCG

Published Aug 31, 2025 04:11 pm
(L-R) New Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown pays a courtesy call on Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan at the PCG headquarters in Manila on Aug. 30, 2025. The two officials discuss opportunities to further strengthen the PCG and Australia's collaboration on personnel training, capability development, and support for the agency's modernization program. (Photo: PCG)
(L-R) New Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown pays a courtesy call on Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan at the PCG headquarters in Manila on Aug. 30, 2025. The two officials discuss opportunities to further strengthen the PCG and Australia's collaboration on personnel training, capability development, and support for the agency's modernization program. (Photo: PCG)
New Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown reaffirmed his country’s commitment to further deepen maritime cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Innes-Brown paid a courtesy call on PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan in Manila on Saturday, Aug. 30. They highlighted the enduring partnership between Manila and Canberra in promoting maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. Innes-Brown was appointed as Australian envoy to the Philippines in July, replacing Ms. HK Yu.
During the meeting, Gavan expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued assistance to the PCG, noting that such support has been instrumental in enhancing the agency’s operational capabilities.
Innes-Brown, for his part, underscored Australia’s resolve to work hand in hand with the Philippines in addressing shared maritime challenges and ensuring the stability of the region’s waters.
Gavan and Innes-Brown also discussed opportunities to further strengthen collaboration on personnel training, capability development, and support for the PCG’s modernization program.
“Both parties expressed their commitment to pursue closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the PCG said.
Cooperation between the PCG and Australia has steadily grown over the years through capacity-building programs, exchange of best practices, and joint exercises.
Just last month, the Australian government announced it would provide P110 million worth of drones and maritime domain awareness technologies, as well as integrated support and training, to the PCG, which will be delivered in the coming years.
This is on top of the P34 million worth of drones and personnel training donated by Australia to the PCG in April to enhance its maritime domain awareness and surveillance capabilities.
Australia also contributed VHF (very high frequency) base radios in October 2024 to improve PCG’s communications across Palawan as part of a broader P328 million civil maritime cooperation package which includes vessel support, operational training, postgraduate scholarships, marine protection projects, and Law of the Sea courses.
The initiatives followed the 2023 elevation of Philippine–Australia ties to a “strategic partnership,” which covers defense and security, trade, development, education, and energy cooperation.

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Philippines Australia maritime cooperation PCG Marc Innes-Brown Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan
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