PCG and Vietnam Coast Guard hold joint maritime drills in Manila Bay

For the first time, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) conducted a joint maritime exercise in Manila Bay, eight nautical miles from Corregidor Island.

The exercise simulated a ship on fire with people needing rescue, showcasing the coast guards' response capabilities in emergency situations.

This collaboration occurred amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where both the Philippines and Vietnam have territorial claims.

The training included fire fighting, search and rescue operations, with a helicopter assisting in locating victims in the sea.

PCG Captain Laurence Roque highlighted the importance of such exercises for fostering regional cooperation among ASEAN countries, particularly concerning the West Philippine Sea and promoting a rules-based approach.

This event was part of a five-day port visit by a VCG ship, building on a January 2024 memorandum of understanding that established a joint committee and a hotline between the two coast guards.

The Vietnamese Defense Ministry emphasized the visit's political significance in promoting comprehensive cooperation and enhancing maritime law enforcement capabilities.