PCG deploys ships, K-9 teams for ASEAN Summit maritime security

November 12 ------ Seven Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, including three of its largest ships, were assigned to safeguard waters surrounding the venue of next week's ASEAN Summit as authorities tightened security preparations for the gathering of regional and world leaders in Manila.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the Coast Guard would focus on maritime security operations from Manila Bay up to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), where key summit activities will be held. The deployment includes two 97-meter multi-role response vessels, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), as well as the 83-meter-long offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301). “Our role is to conduct maritime security. We will deploy seven vessels, including our three capital ships, as well as small boats. We are also tasked to conduct maritime security patrols, particularly in the area of Manila Bay up to the PICC,” Cayabyab said on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Aside from its seven vessels, the PCG will deploy small boats, canine teams, and trained personnel to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in securing delegates and preventing possible threats. Cayabyab said the Coast Guard's K9 teams would help detect possible explosive materials, while its trained personnel would assist the PNP in addressing other security concerns. Its vessels would also patrol surrounding waters to monitor maritime activities. “The threats we see are, of course, security-related, which is why we have strengthened our support for the PNP. Aside from traffic concerns, we have deployed our Coast Guard K-9 working dogs, which are capable of detecting possible explosive items. This will help us prevent such threats,” she said.

The ASEAN Summit is scheduled from Nov. 15 to 17 in Manila, bringing together leaders from Southeast Asia and dialogue partners, including the United States, China, Japan, Australia, India and Russia. United States President Donald Trump is expected to attend the ASEAN-US Special Summit on Nov. 17.

One of the major issues expected to be discussed is the proposed South China Sea Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China, an agreement intended to prevent maritime confrontations from escalating into conflict. Regional leaders are also expected to tackle the continuing political crisis in Myanmar and economic cooperation initiatives within the bloc.

Heightened alert

The PCG has placed its operating units under heightened alert and prepared contingency measures following a series of coordination meetings with other security agencies. Cayabyab said the Coast Guard leadership had extended its full support to ensure that all summit activities would proceed safely until the regional gathering concludes.

Despite the heightened security posture, Cayabyab said maritime travel in Manila Bay would remain normal during the summit.

However, she urged the public and maritime operators to cooperate with authorities to prevent accidents and ensure the safe movement of passenger and cargo vessels. The PCG has intensified pre-departure inspections of ships, particularly those carrying passengers and cargo, as part of its maritime safety measures.

Source: mb.com.ph