The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) ship CSB 8002 in Manila on Monday for a series of collaborative activities, including exercises in Manila Bay.
Five-Day Port Visit
The VCG will conduct a five-day port visit in Manila from August 5 to 9. According to PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, the visit will conclude with search and rescue (SAR) operations, fire and explosion prevention training, and a passing exercise in the vicinity waters of Manila Bay. Following a comprehensive debriefing and evaluation, CSB 8002 will depart Philippine waters.
Enhancing Cooperation and Readiness
This initiative aims to enhance the interoperability and operational readiness of the two coast guards, both active members of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF).
Environmental Monitoring
The VCG will also monitor for possible oil spills from three grounded and sunken ships in Bataan, including MTKR Terranova. Despite marine environmental protection not being a primary function of the VCG, their vessel CSB 8002 will be vigilant for oil spills while navigating the area.
Additional Activities
In addition to the exercises, the PCG and VCG will engage in friendly sports activities. Following the welcome ceremony, VCG Region 2 Vice Commander Colonel Hoang Quoc Dat will pay a courtesy call to PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan to discuss shared goals and future partnerships.
To honor the VCG delegation, the PCG will host a dinner promoting fellowship and cultural exchange. A planning conference will be held to coordinate search and rescue and fire and explosion prevention training exercises. The VCG delegation will also visit the National Maritime Center and the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) to showcase the PCG's capabilities and infrastructure. Additionally, a cultural tour will be organized to offer the VCG crew a glimpse of the rich heritage and traditions of the Philippines.
Significance of the Visit
The Vietnamese Defense Ministry emphasized the "profound political significance" of the CSB 8002's visit, viewing it as an opportunity to promote comprehensive cooperation and improve law enforcement abilities at sea. This cooperation aims to contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, security, and safety in the relevant sea area and the region.
Joint Initiatives and Claims
In January 2024, the Philippine and Vietnamese Coast Guards signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a joint Coast Guard committee and a hotline communication mechanism. Both countries have recently filed claims with the United Nations for an extended continental shelf beyond the current 200 nautical miles in the South China Sea. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines expressed readiness to engage Vietnam on achieving a mutually beneficial solution to South China Sea issues in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.
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