The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) held a joint passing exercise (PASSEX) near Lubang Island on Tuesday, aimed at enhancing their cooperation in maritime safety and environmental protection.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the PCG noted that the exercise involved the PCG’s BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and the USCG Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751).
“The PASSEX exercise focused on simulating various scenarios, including Search and Rescue (SAR), firefighting, communication exercises (COMEX), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC),” the PCG said.
“By sharing best practices, concepts, doctrines, and standard operating procedures, the PCG and USCG enhance their respective capabilities to respond to maritime emergencies and contingencies,” it added.
The drill commenced at 7 a.m. on Tuesday with the arrival of the USCG Waesche and concluded by noon.
“The joint exercise underscores the commitment of both Coast Guards to their vital role in safeguarding lives at sea, promoting maritime security, and protecting the marine environment,” the PCG stated.
“The PCG, alongside its partners and allies in the USCG, will continue to expand their collaboration and jointly strengthen their capabilities to effectively respond to maritime contingencies and promote a safe, secure, and peaceful rules-based maritime order,” it further mentioned.
This joint exercise was conducted following reports of the China Coast Guard (CCG) 5303 ship being observed on an “intrusive patrol” near Lubang Island on Sunday.
“At 16:20 yesterday, the 135-meter China Coast Guard 5303 arrived 60 nautical miles west of the Philippines’ Lubang Island and is now conducting an intrusive patrol at that location,” former US Air Force official and Defense Attaché Ray Powell noted in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
The Philippine Navy later confirmed this report.
PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the deployment of BRP Melchora Aquino after monitoring the presence of CCG 5303 near Lubang Island, which is approximately 40 kilometers west of Calatagan, Batangas.
“In response to the incursive presence of the CCG in Lubang Island, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has also deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino, which is 97 meters long as well,” Tarriela mentioned at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
In an update on Wednesday, Powell reported that the Chinese vessel had moved closer to the Philippine coastline, nearing 35 to 40 nautical miles from northern Palawan near El Nido.
Tarriela added that the CCG ship was heading toward Palawan. “However, since last night, we also tracked its movement and it’s now moving away toward Palawan. So it’s no longer there in Lubang Island,” he said.