PCG sends BRP Gabriela Silang to sea exercise with Indonesia, Japan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2024): PCG sends BRP Gabriela Silang to sea exercise with Indonesia, Japan (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

TO MARPOLEX. The BRP Gabriela Silang, an offshore patrol vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard after its send-off ceremony at Panacan Wharf in Davao City on Wednesday (June 19, 2024). The vessel and its crew are the country's representative for the Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2024 with the coast guard representatives of Indonesia and Japan in Bacolod City from June 24 to 29. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday deployed BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) to join the Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2024 among the coast guards of the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan in Bacolod City next week.

During the send-off ceremony for the 83-meter offshore patrol vessel at Panacan Wharf in Davao City, PCG District Southeastern Mindanao Commander, Commodore Rejard Marfe said the exercise is to showcase the dedication of the three countries in protecting the seas and their maritime borders during emergencies.

“We exemplify steadfast guardianship to our nation’s ship serving as a beacon of safety and protection of the open waters,” Marfe said.

The participation of BRP Gabriela Silang and its crew, he said, is part of the PCG’s responsibility as “custodians of our marine environment.”

“Your dedication will enhance our readiness, allowing us to promptly and efficiently respond to pollution incidents, thus protecting marine ecosystems and coastal communities,” he said.

The MARPOLEX 2024 is scheduled on June 24 to 29.

At the event, the coast guard representatives of each country will take part in exercises on search and rescue, firefighting, oil spill recovery, equipment recovery, and damage assessment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227250