The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) participation in its second joint trilateral maritime exercise with the United States’ and Japan’s Coast Guards was a success, and has arrived back in the Philippines on Wednesday, June 25.
The PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua was sent to Kagoshima Port in Japan, where the activities began on June 6, with the aim to boost maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, as reported by RH 29 Boy Gonzales. It is now at the Port Area, Manila.
PCG Deputy Commander for Administration Rear Adm. Hostillo Arturo Cornelio honored the vessel’s 123 personnel for a “mission accomplished,” having returned safely home, where they may apply all they have learnt from the operation.
The activities included Communication Exercise (COMMEX), Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), Fire Fighting Exercise (FFEX), Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), and Exercise on Transfer of Personnel.
“The trilateral exercise not only enhanced interoperability among the participating Coast Guards but also strengthened their collective capability to respond to maritime emergencies and natural disasters. It also served as a vital platform to exchange best practices, improve operational synergy, and reaffirm the shared commitment to uphold safety, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” the PCG said in a statement.
The training was also geared towards honing the abilities of the BRP Teresa Magbanua personnel, especially in monitoring Escoda Shoal, where the Chinese Coast Guard has repeatedly been harassing Filipinos.
