Philippine Coast Guard Arrives Japan for Trilateral Maritime Exercise
The Philippine Coast Guard’s flagship vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), has reached Japan to join the second trilateral maritime exercise among the PCG, United States Coast Guard, and Japan Coast Guard. This important collaboration highlights the commitment of all three forces to strengthen regional maritime security and cooperation.
Anchoring at Kagoshima Port on June 12, the 97-meter multi-role response vessel’s arrival coincided with the 127th Philippine Independence Day celebrations. The BRP Teresa Magbanua and its 123-member crew received a warm welcome from Japan Coast Guard officials, marking a friendly start to the week-long exercises.
Exercise Details and Objectives
The exercise is scheduled from June 16 to June 20. One of the most significant components is the search and rescue exercise (SAREX) near Kinko Bay in Kagoshima, designed to test and improve coordination among the participating coast guards. The drill will simulate urgent scenarios such as rescuing passengers from a capsized boat and responding to maritime emergencies.
Beyond SAREX, the participating coast guards will conduct communication drills, maneuvering exercises, maritime law enforcement training, photo operations, and passing drills. These activities aim to enhance interoperability and readiness among the maritime agencies, ensuring they can work seamlessly in real-world situations.
Strengthening Regional Maritime Cooperation
This trilateral maritime exercise aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s directive to boost regional maritime cooperation and diplomatic relations with neighboring coast guard services. According to local leaders, this collaboration also supports a rules-based maritime order and collective capacity building, contributing to peace and stability in the region.
The current exercise is the second of its kind. The first was hosted in Mariveles, Bataan, in June 2023. This year marks the first time the exercise is held in Japan, reflecting the growing trust and partnership between the three coast guards.
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