Vietnam Coast Guard in PH for joint exercises with PCG in Manila Bay

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday welcomed Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) ship CSB 8002 in Manila where they will conduct several activities together including an exercise in Manila Bay.

In a statement, the PCG said VCG will have a five-day port visit in Manila from August 5 to 9.

“Concluding the port call will be the conduct of SAR, fire and explosion prevention training, and passing exercise in the vicinity waters of Manila Bay,” PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.

“CSB 8002 will depart the Philippine waters after a comprehensive debriefing and evaluation of the joint PCG-VCG initiative,” he added.

This is to enhance the interoperability and operational readiness of the two coast guards as active member states of ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF), according to the PCG.

The PCG said the VCG is also monitoring possible sightings of oil spills amid the leak of oil from three grounded and sunken ships in Bataan.

“Although marine environmental protection is not a main function of VCG, their vessel CSB 8002, while navigating in the area of the oil sunken vessels MTKR Terranova and two other vessels at vicinity waters in Bataan, they are also on the lookout of possible sightings of oil spills,” the PCG said.

The PCG and VCG will also engage in friendly sports activities.

After the welcome ceremony on Monday, VCG’s Region 2 Vice Commander Colonel Hoang Quoc Dat will pay a courtesy call on PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan to talk about shared goals and future partnerships.

“To honor the VCG delegation, the PCG will host a dinner, promoting fellowship and cultural exchange. A planning conference will be held to coordinate search and rescue and fire and explosion prevention training exercises,” the PCG said.

“The VCG delegation will also visit the National Maritime Center and the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702), showcasing the PCG’s capabilities and infrastructure. A cultural tour will be organized, offering the VCG crew a glimpse of the rich heritage and traditions of the Philippines,” the PCG added.

The Vietnamese Defense Ministry earlier said the CSB 8002's visit was of "profound political significance" as it was an opportunity for both coast guard forces to "promote comprehensive  cooperation (and) improve law enforcement ability at sea... to  contribute to the maintenance of peace, stability, security, and safety  in the relevant sea area and the region."

In January 2024, the Philippine and Vietnamese Coast Guards signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a joint Coast Guard committee and a hotline communication mechanism.

In July, Vietnam filed a claim with the United Nations for an extended continental shelf beyond the current 200 nautical miles in the South China Sea.

The Philippines also filed the same claim in June.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is "ready to engage Vietnam on possible ways forward that would help achieve a mutually beneficial solution to South China Sea issues in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.”

"We acknowledge Vietnam’s right, as a coastal State like the Philippines, to submit information to establish the outer limits of their continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the relevant and lawful baselines from which its territorial sea is measured, as provided for under UNCLOS," the DFA added. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News