The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) received grant equipment from United State government during a turn-over ceremony at the National Headquarters, Port Area, Manila yesterday, 29 May 2024. The Coast Guard Special Operations Force Commander, CG Rear Admiral Inocencio Rosario Jr, Coast Guard Weapons, Communications, Electronics, And Information Systems Command Commander, CG Commodore Joeven Fabul and Representative from the Joint United States Military Assistance Group – Philippines (JUSMAG-PHIL), Lieutenant Commander Nathan Penka graced the turn-over ceremony. Moreover, CG Rear Admiral Rosario Jr on behalf of the Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan extended his gratitude and appreciation to the US government for their continued support and donation to the PCG that will greatly help with the enforcement of the mandated function of the organization.
“The pieces of equipment strongly support the agency’s current initiatives of enhancing capabilities for surveillance and communications operations in the country’s maritime jurisdiction, particularly in the West Philippine Sea and nearby areas,” CG Commodore Fabul said during his opening remarks.
For his part, LCDR Penka stated “This is just a small token of our commitment to the Philippines, and we have no intention of slowing down to provide assistance in enhancing the capabilities of the PCG.”
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) (Filipino: Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas) is the third armed uniformed service of the country attached to the Philippines’ Department of Transportation, tasked primarily with enforcing laws within Philippine waters, conducting maritime security operations, safeguarding life and property at sea, and protecting marine environment and resources; similar to coast guard units around the world. In case of a declaration of war, the Coast Guard shall also serve as an attached service of the Department of National Defense. It currently maintains a presence throughout the archipelago, with thirteen Coast Guard Districts, fifty-four CG Stations and over one hundred ninety Coast Guard Sub-Stations, from Basco, Batanes to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
