The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to deepen its collaboration with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) following the signing of a new agreement to enhance maritime cooperation.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan formally exchanged the Terms of Reference (ToR) on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation with Indian Ministry of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit to New Delhi on August 5.
The PCG on Saturday said the ToR establishes dedicated working groups to focus on key areas, including marine environmental protection and response, maritime safety, maritime security and law enforcement, as well as capacity building and training.
It said each working group is designed to promote structured collaboration, with designated Points of Contact and clearly defined operational frameworks in place.
“The signing of the ToR reaffirms the strong commitment of the PCG and ICG to uphold maritime safety, security, and environmental protection through sustained dialogue and joint efforts,” the PCG said in a statement.
It added that the collaboration would help improve Manila’s capability to safeguard its maritime domain, ensure safe sea lanes, and respond more effectively to maritime incidents.
The exchange of the ToR occurred nearly two years after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on enhanced maritime cooperation by the two coast guard forces on Aug. 22, 2023.
