PCG hosts regional maritime security exercise

The Philippine Coast Guard is hosting a maritime security exercise that aims to address threats to maritime security in the ASEAN region.

The Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise is conducted yearly to address problems such as illegal fishing, smuggling, illegal drugs, piracy and human trafficking, the PCG said.

The workshop, which will take place from August 19 to 30, will involve about 100 personnel from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, the US and the Philippines.

The United States Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment will lead the conduct of a MIO/VBSS (maritime interdiction operation/vessel board, search and seizure) workshop to: level up the best practices of the use of force and the demonstration of arresting techniques; lecture on smuggling trends; hold drills on flex and handcuffing, as well as positive control measures for compliant and non-compliant boarding; and conduct multiple-man room entry, tactical team movement and inspections and weapons retention to be executed aboard PCG vessels. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News