123 PCG personnel sail to Japan for maritime exercise
A total of 123 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel will participate in a trilateral maritime exercise with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) in Kagoshima, Japan two weeks from now.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan led the send-off ceremony for the crew of BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Friday, June 6.
The exercise will take place from June 16 to 20.
“Through the second trilateral maritime exercise, the PCG envisions stronger collaboration and deeper diplomatic relations with its Coast Guard counterparts, as well as the exploration of more avenues for maritime cooperation towards a rules-based order,” the PCG said.
Among the highlights of the exercise is the conduct of a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) in the vicinity waters of Kinko-Bay in Kagoshima which aims to strengthen coordination and interoperability among participating maritime agencies.
The drill will involve simulated distress scenarios, including the rescue of passengers from a capsized vessel and emergency response to a maritime accident.
Aside from that, the three coast guard forces will also hold communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, and passing exercises.
“The PCG recognizes the significant contributions of USCG and JCG in improving the skills and expertise of its men and women through various human resource development programs,” the PCG shared.
BRP Teresa Magbanua, a 97-meter multi-role response vessel, will arrive at Kagoshima Port on June 12, coinciding with the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day. She will then undergo a three-day maintenance and repair before participating in the exercise.
The activity marks the second trilateral exercise among the PCG, USCG, and JCG.
The first iteration of the exercise was held in Mariveles, Bataan in June 2023. This year’s exercise was the first time that it took place in Japan.
The PCG said its participation in the exercise was anchored on the directive of President Marcos Jr. to enhance its collaboration and cooperation with the USCG and JCG through joint undertakings.