PCG strengthens maritime security ties with Vietnam through joint exercises

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reinforced its commitment to maritime security cooperation with Vietnam during a port call in Da Nang from April 14 to 17.

Joint exercise planning and a tabletop exercise were conducted with the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) to prepare for upcoming joint Search and Rescue and Firefighting Exercises at Sea, which took place immediately after the vessel's departure.

During the visit, PCG's offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang hosted a ship tour for Filipino community members in Hanoi and Da Nang, culminating in a dinner reception attended by key officials from both countries.

Rear Admiral Charlie Rances Fabul emphasized the importance of the visit as a step toward deeper cooperation, while VCG Region 2 Commander Major General Tran Quang Tuan highlighted it as a milestone for bilateral maritime security efforts.

Ambassador Meynardo Montealegre expressed hope that the visit would foster further collaboration in disaster response and search and rescue operations.

The port call was part of the PCG's Tri-Country Port Visit, which also included stops in Thailand and Malaysia to enhance multilateral maritime partnerships across Southeast Asia.