Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
FOR the first time, the Philippines will hold maritime exercises this week with two of its closest allies — the United States and Japan.
The trilateral exercises will be conducted off Mariveles, Bataan from June 1 to 7, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Monday.
The PCG will deploy BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401) and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel for the activity.
On the other hand, the US Coast Guard will dispatch its third Legend-class cutter the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) while Japan’s Coast Guard will send Akitsushima (PLH-32).
The PCG said the trilateral maritime exercises aim to strengthen interoperability through communication exercises, maneuvering drills, maritime law enforcement training, search-and-rescue and passing exercises.
Coast Guard personnel who will participate in the week-long event will “handle” a scenario involving a suspected vessel involved in piracy, the PCG said.
Meanwhile, the joint law enforcement team from the coast guards of the three participating countries will conduct a boarding inspection followed by a search and rescue operation. — Franco Jose C. Baroña
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Credit belongs to: www.manilatimes.net
