PCG joins Japan, US in trilateral maritime exercise

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has returned to Manila port with its delegation after participating in the 2nd Trilateral Maritime Exercise in Kagoshima, Japan.

The exercise involved the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the US Coast Guard (USCG) and aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key drills included communication, search and rescue, firefighting, photo documentation, and personnel transfer.

The PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) represented the Philippines in the joint drills.

The PCG stated the exercise enhanced their collective capability to respond to maritime emergencies and natural disasters, and served as a platform to exchange best practices.

This engagement is part of the Philippines' strategy to expand security ties with Western countries and regional allies amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea.