Philippines Philippines Coast Guard news & update

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PCG starts all-female rescue divers course to strengthen Special Ops Force​

Published July 14, 2021, 11:24 AM

by Richa Noriega

An all-female rescue divers course was started by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strengthen its Special Operations Force. The rescue divers course, composed of five female commissioned officers and seven female enlisted personnel, launched at the PCG Base Farola on July 11 and will last to up to six months.

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Commodore Edgardo Hernando, head of the PCG Special Operations Force, said that the trainees underwent exercises including carrying a rubber boat as a team, jogging in place, push-ups, stretching, rolling, and submerging themselves in a rubber boat filled with salt water among others.

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He added that the personnel will also go through capability enhancement training to increase their knowledge on basic tactical procedures, improve their diving and swimming skills, as well as ensure their readiness in the conduct of rescue missions.

Last June 25, an all-female class also graduated from the first-ever PCG’s radio operator course, dubbed as “Angels of the Sea.”

The PCG said some of the newly graduates are assigned to aboard patrol ships in the PCG’s “Task Force Pagsasanay,” which were on rotational training exercises in the different country’s maritime areas, including the West Philippine Sea.

 

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Older post related to the MMRV


it's good to see the capabilities of PCG increasing with enough support I hope PH will be able to regain control of their islands in WPS.
 

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Was this shared before ?

The launch of PCG 9701 "Teresa Magbanua" MMRV based on Kunigami class

Project summary

Planned deployment of two of these vessels and their operational range.
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Seems like Philippines is reviving their drydock.

Perhaps It's got something to do with the papers

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Subic drydock shipyard provides maintenance support to Philippine Navy Vessel​



August 18, 2021

Dante Salvana

Subic Drydock Corporation (SDC), a shipyard located in Subic Bay Freeport Zone who provides ship maintenance services support to the Republic of the Philippines’ Department of National Defense – Philippine Navy, welcomes the arrival of PN Floating Dock AFDL 20 (YD- 204).

On August 12, 2021, the PN Floating Dock was towed from Cavite PN Shipyard and arrived successfully at SDC Facility in preparation for her drydocking, repairs and modernization.

This project will have an estimated 6-month duration and will entail a top to bottom overhaul with the end objective being, full restoration of the asset.

SDC sends its appreciation for all the support and team effort that went into ensuring the PN Floating Dock made it successfully to SDC.

The company commends a job well done to the Philippines Navy, Malayan Towage Salvage Corporation (MTSC) and the SBMA Seaport Department Team.

Later this month, SDC will also be accomplishing upgrades and repairs onboard PS-16 which will last approximately four months.

As the PN primary maintenance provider for over eight years now we are honored and pleased to continue to support their current and future maintenance requirements enhancing the overall readiness of the Republic of the Philippines’ Department of National Defense – Philippine Navy Fleet.

Throughout the pandemic, SDC’s continues its quest and remains steadfast in contributing to Olongapo City, the Province of Zambales, Bataan and other nearby localities in business sustainment and job generation with current projections through CY 2022, based on current and future books of approximately 1,500 jobs.

This growth also provides opportunities for small business in the Subic Bay Freeport as well as domestic and foreign service providers catering to maritime ship repair and activities.

Subic Drydock Corporation would also like to express its thanks to the leadership of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Chairman and Administrator Atty. Wilma Eisma for their support of SDC in business development, job generation and investment in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

 
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PH ready for ‘water war’ in West Philippine Sea — PCG​

By: Maila Ager - Reporter / @MAgerINQ
INQUIRER.net / 02:17 PM December 07, 2021
The Philippines is now prepared for a “water war” in the West Philippine  Sea as the country’s coast  guard plans to use a “white to white diplomacy” in the disputed territory.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on April 25, that it has been conducting drills in the West Philippine Sea as part of efforts to secure “our maritime jurisdiction.” PCG handout photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is now prepared for a “water war” in the West Philippine Sea as the country’s coast guard plans to use a “white to white diplomacy” in the disputed territory.


“To avert po sir the water canon incident, the Coast Guard vessels will be re-provisioning the marines assigned in Ayungin [Shoal] po sir in Sierra Madre,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Vice Admiral Oscar Endona Jr. said during a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

“So hindi na po civilian vessel yung gagamitin (we are not going to use civilian vessel) for re-provisioning our marine troops in Ayungin so we’ll be using the white ships already,” Endona added.

The PCG official made the remarks when Senator Richard Gordon asked how the Philippines will react should China send amphibian vessel and occupy a part of Palawan.

Just last Nov. 16, Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and water cannoned Philippine supply boats on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.



“We’ll use white to white diplomacy,” Endona went on referring to the Philippine Coast Guard vessels. “Actually, our white ships also have a water cannon so pwede tayong gumanti ng water canon.”

“Water war?” Gordon quipped to which the PCG official answered yes.

Before Gordon, Senator Panfilo Lacson also inquired how the PCG would react to a possible attack in the Pagasa Island.

“How capable are we and how prepared are we to at least defend, put up a decent defense of the Pagasa island?” Lacson further asked.

Endona admitted that the nearest Coast Guard available vessel is based in El Nido and it would take them overnight to reach the island.

Defending the country’s territory, he said, would then be up to the Philippine Navy as the PCG could only provide assistance such as transporting personnel.

When Lacson asked about having a regular patrol in the Pagasa island, Endona explained that small vessels could not be at the sea the whole year because of sea conditions.

He pointed out though that regular patrolling would be possible with the arrival of new vessels from Japan next year as these could stay at sea for more tan 30 days.

 

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Japan to keep aid flowing to PH Coast Guard​

By: Frances Mangosing - Reporter / @FMangosingINQ
INQUIRER.net / 04:45 PM December 07, 2021

Japanese-built ships of the Philippine Coast Guard showcase water cannon blast as part of a capability demonstration witnessed by Japanese ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko aboard BRP Malabrigo on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. PHOTOS BY MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/ PDI

MANILA, Philippines—The Japanese government would continue providing aid to the Philippines to keep sea lanes free and open in the Indo-Pacific region in the wake of increasing aggression by China.

The two countries are struggling with territorial disputes with China—The Philippines over West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and Japan over Senkakus in the East China Sea.


“South China Sea must be free and open under international law. Sea lanes in the South China Sea are also vitally important to Japan,” said Japanese ambassador to Manila Koshikawa Kazuhiko on Tuesday (Dec. 7).

“We will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Philippine government and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),” he said.


Koshikawa boarded the BRP Malabrigo—one of 10 44-meter multi-response vessels acquired by the PCG through Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) in 2016— for an hour-long capability demonstration around Manila Bay. He was with some Japanese embassy staffers, PCG officials and journalists.

Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko tours the BRP Malabrigo, one of the ships acquired by the Philippine Coast Guard through Japan’s official development assistance. He said Japan supports a free and open Indo-Pacific. PHOTOS BY MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/ PDI

The demonstration showcased the ship’s water cannon setup, which was mainly for firefighting. A China Coast Guard vessel had recently fired Philippine supply boats with water cannons inside the Philippine exclusive economic zone, triggering a new round of diplomatic protests.


Fruitful​

Japan’s continued maritime security assistance to the PCG has been bearing fruit.

In the last few years, the PCG drastically improved its capabilities through Japan’s ODA. Vessels and equipment acquired by PCG through ODA included 10 44-meter multi-role response vessels, 13 high-speed small boats, 11 coastal surveillance radars and 30 floating pontoons for high-speed boats.

Japan has also helped the PCG conduct training for its personnel, conduct exercises and other activities.

Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko tours the BRP Malabrigo, one of the ships acquired by the Philippine Coast Guard through Japan’s official development assistance. He said Japan supports a free and open Indo-Pacific. PHOTOS BY MARIANNE BERMUDEZ/ PDI

In 2022, the PCG will receive two 97-meter vessels built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., also funded through Japanese ODA.

READ: 1st of PCG’s 2 biggest vessels comes to life in Japan

These will be the capital ships of the PCG, said PCG commandant Vice Admiral Leopoldo Laroya.


The PCG is continuously working with Japan to identify potential areas of assistance, he said.

While aboard the Malabrigo, Koshikawa discussed development plans for the PCG that would be included in the development of Subic Bay, according to Laroya, without elaborating.

In 2020, Inquirer.net reported, citing sources, that Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade sought the help of the Japanese government to develop a bigger headquarters for the PCG in Subic Bay.

READ: PH Coast Guard eyeing bigger HQ in Subic

Flashpoint​

The Indo-Pacific is becoming a flashpoint in the last few years and battleground for competing influence of the United States and China.

Analysts have said that middle powers, like Japan, were expected to play a significant role in ensuring stability and prosperity in the area.

Japan has become more outspoken on Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, where the US and allies have stepped up joint exercises in recent months.

Japan’s renewed pledge of assistance to the Philippines came weeks after the water cannon attack by Chinese Coast Guard vessels on two Philippine boats transporting supplies to a Philippine naval outpost on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in West Philippine Sea. The area is a low-tide elevation inside Philippines’ EEZ.

READ: Chinese still intimidating, harassing – Lorenzana

Koshikawa was one of the ambassadors in the Philippines to immediately express concern on the water cannon attack and show support for the 2016 arbitral ruling that found China’s fictitious nine-dash line claim to nearly the entire South China Sea as baseless.

“Japan strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas,” he said.

“Compliance with the 2016 arbitral award and the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), are vital for peace and prosperity in the region,” he added.

The Philippines and China are signatories to the 1982 UNCLOS.

But Beijing continued to flaunt its aggression, disregarding the ruling and escalating its intrusion in Philippine EEZ.

 

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