Marcos lauds PCG for protecting PH

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday recognized the efforts of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in protecting the country’s borders against “those who would exploit our resources or threaten our way of life” while displaying a “calm resolve that prevents disputes from turning into conflicts.”

The President, at celebrations for the PCG’s 123rd founding anniversary held at the Port Area in Manila, also led the awarding of 14 individuals and units, including the BRP Teresa Magbanua and the BRP Cabra which were harassed by Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea.

“Every rescue mission and every enforcement of laws against illegal fishing or environmental degradation sends a powerful message, a message that we can count on you whenever it matters most,” he said.

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“You are the vigilant stewards of peace and order upon our seas, ensuring that the rule of law prevails across our waters. In the face of tension, it is your calm resolve that prevents disputes from turning into conflicts, demonstrating to the world that embracing dialogue and cooperation is the true essence of strength,” he added.

The awardees are the Coast Guard (CG) District Palawan as Best Coast Guard District of the Year; CG Station Batangas, CG Station Malacañang and CG Station Cavite as the Best Coast Guard Stations of the Year; BRP Francisco Dagohoy, DA BFAR vessel MCS 3004 and BRP Boracay as Vessels of the Year; PCG BN Islander 251 as Aircraft of the Year; CG Auxiliary District 1 as Best Coast Guard Auxiliary District; PO1 Totoh Jailani as the Coast Guard Non-Officer of the Year; Dr. Marianne Arias as the Coast Guard Non- Uniformed Personnel of the Year; and Geoffrey Dasas as Coast Guard Lighthouse Keeper of the Year.

Also recognized were the BRP Teresa Magbanua that had been rammed and damaged by Chinese vessels at the Escoda Shoal in August and BRP Cabra that has been water-cannoned by Chinese vessels in December 2023.

During the event, the President again reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuously support the upgrade of the PCG’s capabilities and assets to enable it to fulfill its mandate more effectively.

He said the PCG, over the years, has done what it can to protect the country’s maritime borders, rescue fishermen on the sea when typhoons strike, and ensure that the Philippine seas are not pillaged by illegal poachers.

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