PCG sends Virgin of Antipolo to Pag-asa Island

MANILA, Philippines — There is hope in prayer for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for the easing of tension with China and helping the Philippines “overcome challenges” to its sovereignty.

PCG head chaplain Fr. Lowie Palines yesterday celebrated mass at the Antipolo Cathedral – also called the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage – where he called on the faithful to pray for peace and for protection of “our seas given to us by God.”

He said the PCG had requested for two replicas of the revered Marian image – one to be toured around PCG headquarters and coast guard stations across the Philippines and the other to be installed permanently at a chapel being built on Pag-asa Island in Palawan.

“Our mission is to reach Pag-asa Island, which will be the last journey of Our Lady that the PCG will lead,” Palines said.

He also pointed out that praying is not a sign of cowardice but “our humble call to God and also a source of our strength to overcome any challenge.”

Fr. Nante Tolentino, rector of the Antipolo Cathedral, said he hoped the revered Virgin of Antipolo would intercede for peace and order in the West Philippine Sea.

The Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is the patron of the PCG.

Meanwhile,  Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has issued an order requiring battle dress uniforms of military personnel to bear the Philippine flag.

Brawner made the announcement following a mid-year command conference with President Marcos at Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday.

“This initiative aims to reinforce patriotism and solidarity as a visible reminder of AFP’s commitment to upholding the Philippine sovereign rights and territorial integrity,” the AFP said in a statement.

“This aligns with the broader efforts of President Marcos to foster national pride and unity among Filipinos,” it added. – Michael Punongbayan