The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to conduct its first Trilateral Maritime Exercise with the United States and Japan off the waters of Mariveles, Bataan in June.

In a press release on Monday, PCG said it will have a one-week naval exercise with US Coast Guard (USCG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG), starting from June 1 until June 7.

PCG said that it will deploy four of its vessels namely, the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401), and one 44-meter multi-role response vehicle.

While USCG will send their USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) and Akitsushima (PLH-32) vessels for JCG.

The joint exercise aims to strengthen their interoperability by practicing their communication, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue (SAR), and passing exercises.

PCG officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr. stated the said exercise would also improve maritime cooperation and understanding between the three countries.

The welcome ceremony for USCG and JCG will be held on June 1 at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila.

PCG said it shall invite US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson, Embassy of Japan Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Kenichi Matsuda, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative in the Philippines Takema Sakamoto in the ceremony.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista will also be present at the said event.

Written by Stephanie Anne Santos, DZRH News Online Intern