PCG downplays trilateral maritime drills
The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday defended the coming maritime exercises involving the United States, Japan, and the Philippine Coast Guards, denying that it is a show of force to China amid the persisting tension in the West Philippine and South China Seas.
The trilateral maritime exercises, the first in the country, are slated for 1 to 7 June in the waters of Mariveles, Bataan.
“Not a show of force. This is just a cooperation exercise between the three Coast Guards. It would strengthen interoperability through communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue, and passing exercises,” said Rear Admiral Armand Balilo of the PCG in a media interview.
“On behalf of PCG commandant Admiral Artemio M Abu and PCG officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr., the PCGUSCG-JCG maritime exercises would also improve maritime cooperation and understanding,” Balilo added.
He said part of the exercises will be the deployment of the PCG’s BRP Melchora Aquino, BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP Boracay and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel, while the USCG and JCG will send the USCGC Stratton and the Akitsushima, respectively.
The PCG acquired the BRP Melchora Aquino and the 44-meter MRRV through the Japan International Cooperation Agency–Department of Transportation Maritime Safety Improvement Project.
Further, participating Coast Guard personnel will demonstrate a scenario involving a suspected vessel involved in piracy. The joint law enforcement team from the three Coast Guards will conduct a boarding inspection followed by a SAR operation.
“The US Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard have been assisting us in our human resource development program, particularly in law enforcement training. This is a good opportunity to thank them and show them what our personnel learned from their programs,” Punzalan, for his part, said.
Further, the week-long engagement will involve a sporting event to strengthen the camaraderie among the three Coast Guards, a special interest exchange for women in maritime law enforcement, and an expert exchange for the PCG personnel’s professional development.
“The PCG will invite US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson, Embassy of Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Kenichi Matsuda, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista, and JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Takema Sakamoto to welcome the USCG and JCG contingents with an arrival ceremony at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila, on 1 June 2023,” the PCG spokesperson said.