THE United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC GMCP) Head, Ms. Siri Bjune, paid a courtesy visit to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, at the National Headquarters, Port Area, Manila, yesterday, 13 August 2024.
CG Admiral Gavan and Ms. Bjune discussed the importance of the work of the PCG and the UNODC in addressing current and emerging threats brought about by drugs and crime in the nation and the region.
The PCG Commandant stated that the UNODC has served as a crucial partner in bringing nations together against the threats of illegal drugs and maritime crime, as well as a provider of equipment and capacity-building programs.
Furthermore, CG Admiral Gavan stressed how the UNODC supported various engagements such as the recently concluded ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) in June which allowed mini-lateral and bilateral engagements to strengthen ties between nations and agencies. The Forum was co-hosted by the PCG and the UNODC.
Also present during the meeting were the Deputy Commandant for Operations, CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan; the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs, CG Commodore Algier Ricafrente; Country Manager, UNODC Philippines, Mr. Daniele Marchesi; and the National Programme Officer, UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme, Ms. Frances Damazo.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Philippine Coast Guard – Philippines Facebook Page.
