The upcoming trilateral exercise involving the coast guards of the Philippines, United States, and Japan is set to take place in the waters off Mariveles, Bataan from June 1 to June 7.
Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has emphasized that this exercise is not meant as a display of military force, nor does it have any connection to the ongoing territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Initiated by the United States and Japan, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability, maritime cooperation, and understanding among the three nations.
"Initiative ito ng dalawa, ng Japan at saka ng US coast guard and we [Phillipine Coast Guard] were approach to have this kind of exercise. Tayo naman [ay] lagi tayong may exercise with US at meron din tayong separate with Japan. But this is the first time that we will conduct our exerise na tatlong bansa 'yung magkakasama," Balilo said.
Various activities are planned for the exercise, including communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue operations, and passing exercises.
One of the scenarios to be demonstrated involves the boarding of a suspected vessel engaged in piracy.
"Magkakaroon ng boarding exercise at arresting exercise. The Philippine Coast Guard personnel will board the target vessel, and then, magkakaroon ng scenario na magtatalunan 'yung mga victim do'n sa dagat. And then, the three participating coast guard agencies will launch search and rescue operations that will involve small boat operations and helicopter operations," Balilo added.
Approximately 200 personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard will participate in the exercise.
The PCG will deploy vessels BRP Melchora Aquino, BRP Gabriela Silang, and BRP Boracay.
The United States Coast Guard will contribute their US-CGC Stratton, while Japan will utilize their ship, Akitsushima, for the exercise.
This trilateral exercise highlights the commitment of the Philippines, United States, and Japan to bolstering cooperation and coordination in maritime security efforts.
It serves as a platform for strengthening relationships and developing shared strategies to address various challenges in the maritime domain.
