BRP Gabriela Silang returns from 26-day mission to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam

The BRP Gabriela Silang returned to the Port Area in Manila on Monday after its 26-day mission to Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

During the trip, which began on April 1 with stops in each country throughout the month, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) engaged in activities such as meetings and discussions aimed at enhancing interoperability and trust among coast guards of different nations.

The PCG emphasized that these engagements are crucial for strengthening maritime diplomacy under the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF), particularly given the ongoing disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Vietnam, like the Philippines, has territorial disagreements with China, making regional cooperation essential for addressing shared challenges and enhancing strategic partnerships.

The mission also included exchanging best practices on maritime safety, law enforcement, and environmental protection, underscoring the importance of soft power diplomacy in the region.