2 weeks Ago
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed Monday the return of BRP Gabriela Silang to the country after its 26-day mission to Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In a statement, the PCG said a ceremony was held at the Coast Guard Fleet Parade Ground in Pier 13, Port Area, Manila led by Coast Guard chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. “As we celebrate your safe return, let us also look forward to the future opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth,” Gavan said.
“Your return means the Coast Guard of our maritime and archipelagic nation has arrived. You have proven our worth as a pillar of the Bagong Pilipinas we are all working for,” he added. BRP Gabriela Silang during the mission visited the following ports: During the visits, the PCG reaffirmed ties with the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG).
“This historic voyage forms part of the PCG’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime diplomacy under the framework of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) and through bilateral mechanisms with partner Coast Guards in the region,” the PCG said. “It also highlights the Philippines’ active role in shaping a rules-based, peaceful, and secure maritime domain in Southeast Asia,” it added. BRP Gabriela Silang officers and crew, under the command of Captain Eleizer Ibarrientos, were conferred with the Outstanding Achievement Award for completing the mission.
Ibarrientos said “the warm welcome for the PCG delegation by the Coast Guards of the three nations, culminating in last year’s port visit to Manado, Indonesia, becomes a truism of Coast Guard power—that it can only exist through diplomatic acceptance.” He pointed out that “trust is built among Asian coast guards where port visits and regional engagement are part and parcel of soft power diplomacy.” — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News.
