PH, US coast guards hold exercise near Lubang Island

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducted a joint passing exercise (PASSEX) near Lubang Island on Tuesday to boost their interoperability in maritime safety and environmental protection.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PCG said the drill involved PCG's BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and the USCG Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751).

“The PASSEX exercise focused on simulating various scenarios, including Search and Rescue (SAR), firefighting, communication exercises (COMEX), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC),” the PCG said.

“By sharing best practices, concepts, doctrines, and standard operating procedures, the PCG and USCG enhance their respective capabilities to respond to maritime emergencies and contingencies,” it added.

According to the PCG, the exercise started at 7 a.m. on Tuesday as the USCG Waesche arrived in the area. The exercise was done by 12 noon.

“The joint exercise underscores the commitment of both Coast Guards to their vital role in safeguarding lives at sea, promoting maritime security, and protecting the marine environment,” the PCG said.

“The PCG, alongside its partners and allies in the USCG, will continue to expand their collaboration and jointly strengthen their capabilities to effectively respond to maritime contingencies and promote a safe, secure and peaceful rules-based maritime order,” it added.

The joint exercise between the PCG and the USCG was conducted after China Coast Guard (CCG) 5303 ship was monitored on “intrusive patrol” near Lubang Island on Sunday.

“At 16:20 yesterday the 135-meter China Coast Guard 5303 arrived 60 nm west of the Philippines' Lubang Island & is now conducting an intrusive patrol at that location,” former US Air Force official and Defence Attaché Ray Powell said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.

The Philippine Navy later confirmed the report.

Tarriela said on Wednesday PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered the deployment of BRP Melchora Aquino after monitoring CCG 5303 near Lubang Island, which is around 40 kilometers west of Calatagan, Batangas.

“In response to the incursive presence of the CCG in Lubang Island, the commandant of the PCG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has also deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino, the sister ship of Teresa Magbanua. That is 97 meters as well,” Tarriela said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

In an update on Wednesday, Powell said the Chinese vessel sailed closer to the Philippine coastline to as near as 35 to 40 nautical miles from northern Palawan near El Nido.

Tarriela added the CCG ship was moving towards Palawan.

“However, since last night, we also tracked its movement that it's now moving away towards Palawan. So it's no longer there in Lubang Island,” Tarriela said. —RF, GMA Integrated News