MANILA PHILIPPINES – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, is set to welcome Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) ship, CSB 8002, for a five-day port call in Manila from 05 to 09 August 2024.
CG Admiral Gavan said this is to foster mutual understanding and enhance cooperation between the two Coast Guards.
According to PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, VCG Region 2 Vice Commander, Colonel Hoang Quoc Dat, will lead the CSB 8002 delegation composed of approximately 80 crew on board.
“After the low-key arrival ceremony tomorrow, 05 August 2024, Coast Guard officers and personnel will board CSB 8002 for a vessel tour. It will be followed by VCG’s courtesy call to the PCG Commandant at the National Headquarters and a fellowship sports activity at the PCG Gymnasium,” CG Rear Admiral Balilo added.
The Coast Guard Spokesperson furthered the PCG and VCG will then hold a planning conference for the search and rescue (SAR) and fire and explosion prevention training.
“There will also be a facility visit at the National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) and Marine Science Investigation Force (MSIF) Laboratory, as well as a vessel tour on board the 83-meter offshore patrol vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301),” he expressed.
“Concluding the port call will be the conduct of SAR, fire and explosion prevention training, and passing exercise in the vicinity waters of Manila Bay. CSB 8002 will depart the Philippine waters after comprehensive debriefing and evaluation of the joint PCG-VCG initiative,” CG Rear Admiral Balilo stated.
Earlier this year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and CG Admiral Gavan visited Hanoi, Vietnam, where they tackled the strong bilateral relations between the two Coast Guards.
On 30 January 2024, the PCG and VCG formally signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on maritime cooperation that strengthens their understanding, mutual trust, and confidence.
Under the MOU, the PCG and VCG agreed to develop a Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC) to discuss common issues and interests and establish a hotline communication mechanism.
CG Admiral Gavan emphasized this pursuit enhances the strategic partnership between the two Coast Guards toward promoting, preserving, and protecting their mutual interest in the Southeast Asian region.