The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST) of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) have committed to protecting vital seas, such as the Sulu and Celebes Seas, maintaining rules-based order, and enhancing oil spill response capabilities along major sea lanes.
This pledge was made during the ongoing Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2024 where the PCG, DGST, and JCG conducted joint exercises on firefighting, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and oil spill response at the v waters off Guimaras in Western Visayas on Wednesday, 26 June 2024.
The capability building exercises were witnessed by PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. The drills involved the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP San Agustin, BRP Habagat and BRP Kalanggaman, Indonesia’s KN TRISULA P111, and Japan’s PLH 02 TSUGARU.
“This exercise is relevant in the light of the increasing maritime traffic and the threat of oil spill in our region. Supporting the biennial MARPOLEX is our way to protect and preserve our rich marine environment,” Gavan said.