Marcos vows Coast Guard modernization

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday urged the Philippine Coast Guard to remain dedicated and persistent in protecting the country’s maritime territory and resources as he vowed continued support for the PCG’s modernization program.

Marcos said the PCG has taken so many roles in the past years and is now on the front line in defending the country’s territory from encroachment, poaching and piracy.

“Critical of that is now you are the front line in the defense of our maritime territory, in defense of our economic zones, in defense of our baselines,” Marcos said in a speech during the celebration of the PCG’s 121st founding anniversary in Manila.

“I urge you to continue your dedication and persistence in your duties and responsibilities and move full throttle toward the realization of your vision to be a world-class guardian of the sea – committed to save lives, assure safer maritime transportation, ensure cleaner seas and secure maritime jurisdiction,” he said.

The Philippines has an ongoing territorial dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea.

Manila has filed numerous diplomatic protests against Beijing over the incursion of Chinese vessels into Philippine waters.?Marcos said the PCG is crucial to the government’s law enforcement initiatives in ensuring and maintaining peace and order at sea.

“With the brave men and women of the PCG guarding our shores, I am confident that we will be able to steer our nation in a direction toward safer shores and even onwards to a better, brighter and more prosperous future,” he said.

Marcos said his administration is behind the PCG’s goal to modernize its equipment, vessels and facilities.

In May, the PCG deployed five ships and air assets to install sovereign markers or buoys in four areas in the Kalayaan Group of Islands, according to Coast Guard commandant Admiral Artemio Abu.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua was also deployed to support the resupply mission for Philippine troops on Ayungin Shoal, Abu said.

“The President has guaranteed that not a square inch of Philippine territory would be abandoned to another nation,” Abu said.

“Rest assured that the Philippine Coast Guard is committed to the country’s position in ensuring territorial integrity,” he said, adding the PCG is “also seriously committed to promoting maritime safety.”

Abu said the agency expects to have a total of 24,500 personnel by December, when newly commissioned officers and enlisted personnel will have completed their training.