THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed the delegation from Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) on their two-day visit from 19 to 20 June 2024.
The BAKAMLA and PCG delegations engaged in discussions to explore avenues for future collaboration, organizations, training programs, and operational strategies, highlighting mutual areas of interest and cooperation.
Also, the PCG provided a briefing on PCG’s Training Programs for officers and non-officers and the PCG Organizational Briefing which highlighted the functional commands covering Maritime Safety, Maritime Security and Law Enforcement, and Marine Environmental Protection, PCG’s Safety, Security, and Environmental Numbering System, and the capacity-building programs received by the PCG.
During the visit, both agencies emphasized the exchange of knowledge and best practices as integral to enhancing their capabilities and addressing maritime security challenges. The discussions focused on identifying opportunities for joint initiatives and strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation.
As ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) member agencies, the visit also served as a platform for people-to-people engagement, fostering a deeper understanding and partnership between the PCG and BAKAMLA. It highlighted the shared commitment to maritime safety and security in the region.
The BAKAMLA delegation also had the opportunity for a courtesy visit with PCG’s Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, and PCG’s Deputy Commandant for Operations, CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor N Punzalan Jr.
During BAKAMLA’s courtesy visit, CG Admiral Gavan highlighted the Coast Guard’s pivotal role in maintaining peace and promoting a rules-based order in the region. He also expressed optimism for the swift conclusion of the revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the PCG and ICG on Maritime Security Cooperation.
Additionally, he underscored the significance of the establishment of the common protocols and procedures for the ACF member states particularly the Southeast Asia Protocols for Engagement at Sea between Coast Guard and other Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies (SEA-PEACE), aimed at establishing common guidelines for encounters at sea among ASEAN Coast Guards.
As part of the visit, the BAKAMLA delegation also visited some facilities such as Fleet Education Training Development Institute in Balagtas, Bulacan and of the PCG’s capital ships, BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702).
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC-GMCP) sponsored the said undertaking which aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Coast Guard – Philippines Facebook Page.
