Navy, PCG train with US Coast Guard in West Philippine Sea

STA. ANA, Cagayan, June 20 ------ Navy and coast guard ships detected and issued radio challenges to Chinese vessels in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone during the 15th Maritime Cooperative Activity with the US Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea earlier this week.

Despite the presence of a People’s Liberation Army Navy frigate and a China Coast Guard vessel near Bajo de Masinloc, participating forces continued with scheduled activities and completed all planned exercises a day earlier than planned. The four-day MCA involved personnel from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, the United States Coast Guard, and other participating maritime forces.

The Philippines sent the navy's BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), which served as the lead ship, and the coast guard's BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407). The activity opened on June 15 with rendezvous procedures and maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea, including communications exercises, screening exercises, division tactics, and formation maneuvers to strengthen coordination among participating units.

Philippine ships monitored Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc — a traditional fishing ground in the Philippines EEZ — that day. During the first day of activities, Philippine maritime forces monitored Chinese vessels operating near Bajo de Masinloc, prompting radio challenges from the Diego Silang and the Melchora Aquino. “We have detected one PLA (People’s Liberation Army) and then one Chinese Coast Guard vessel,” Lt. Cmdr. Florentino Rimando Jr., commanding officer of BRP Melchora Aquino, said. “We also challenged the [Vessels of Interest]s, but this VOIs did not hinder the participating forces to achieve the very main objective of this exercise,” he said.

BETTER INTEROPERABILITY AMONG PN, PCG, US COAST GUARD

On June 16, participating units arrived at Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, where they conducted debriefings and subject matter expert exchanges covering maritime law enforcement, visit-board-search-and-seizure operations, search-and-rescue procedures, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and operational coordination.

The final phase of the activity focused on practical maritime operations, including Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercises and simulated search-and-rescue scenarios. Rimando said the participation of the navy and coast guard highlighted a broader government approach to addressing maritime challenges. “This activity enhances our ability to operate seamlessly with other maritime partners: The United States Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy in promoting safety, security, and rules-based operations at sea,” he also said.

He said the exercises helped personnel from different services to better understand each other’s procedures and capabilities. “They have brought unique capabilities combining law enforcement safety, security, and, of course, defense expertise,” he also said.

BRP Diego Silang commanding officer Capt. John Percie Alcos described the four-day activity as a success. “For the past four days, all participating vessels were able to conduct intricate maneuvers, such as division tactics and screen exercises,” he said, adding this shows the navy and coast guard are ready to fulfill their mandates. He also welcome coast guard participation in the MCA, saying the training "crosses between the jurisdiction [of the agencies]...from territorial waters to the contiguous zone up to the exclusive economic zone.” He added the gains from the joint exercises are "immeasurable" and will improve maritime security and safety.

Both the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard said they will continue conducting patrols and maritime activities in accordance with their mandate to protect the country’s maritime rights and jurisdiction.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com