Philippines, US coast guards launch maritime drills in Subic

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The coast guards of the Philippines and the United States on Tuesday launched joint maritime drills in the waters of Subic.

Officials said the joint exercises were part of the commitment of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to promote security and law enforcement interoperability in the Philippines’ maritime jurisdiction.

“The success of the joint maritime exercise between the PCG and USCG will not only strengthen international partnerships for immediate response to calamities and disasters but will also ensure that our personnel could effectively perform their mandated functions in countering terrorism and other acts of lawlessness in our country’s waters,” PCG Commandant Adm. George Ursabia Jr. said in a statement.

The exercises involved vessel communication, search and rescue (SAR), small boat operation, multi-vessel maneuvering and emergency response operation in distressed situations such as fire onboard and man overboard.

“Partnering with the Philippines to enhance maritime governance, including important missions such as search and rescue and enforcement of fisheries laws and treaties, is essential to the security, stability and prosperity of all nations,” said Vice Admiral Michael McAllister, commander of the USCG Pacific.

“The Coast Guard shares deep and abiding interests with our allies and partners, who, like us, have long endorsed a rules-based international order,” McAllister said.

Captain Blake Novak, commanding officer of USCG cutter Munro, commended PCG men for their professionalism and hospitality. The 418-foot vessel is operating under the tactical control of US Navy’s 7th Fleet.

“As the maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region become increasingly complex, partnering with our Coast Guard counterparts is vital to our shared interest in a free and open maritime environment,” Novak said.

PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP Sindangan, BRP Capones and airbus helicopter CGH-145 took part in the joint drill. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel BRP Lapu-Lapu also participated in the joint exercises. – Pia Lee-Brago, Evelyn Macairan