PH, US SIGN AGREEMENT ON SEARCH AND RESCUE OPS

The Philippines and the United States have signed the agreement that provides delimitations on the search and rescue operations of the two countries.

The Philippine-United States Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (Amsar) agreement was signed by Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and US Embassy Chargé d’affaires John Law on July 30.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the agreement fostered stronger bilateral cooperation in the field of maritime and aeronautical search and rescue and enhances both countries’ effectiveness in assisting persons, vessels, aircraft or other craft in distress.

It added that the signing of the agreement stands as proof of the Philippines’ commitment to upholding its obligations under international conventions and treaties.

“At the same time, it will help boost the Philippines’ capability to conduct search and rescue operations and save lives,” the DFA said.

The signing, which was another milestone in PH-US bilateral relations which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, was witnessed by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, who was in Manila for a visit, and Vice Adm. Eduardo Fabricante of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Department of Transportation and the DFA, with support from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the National Coast Watch Center and the Department of National Defense, negotiated the Amsar agreement in September 2018.