Coast Guard ship to visit three Southeast Asian countries

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) patrol ship Gabriela Silang will be sent on a goodwill mission to Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam until April 20.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said during the send-off ceremony on Thursday that the mission would be a “symbol of the Philippines’ commitment to regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.”

He added that the mission would also ensure stronger cooperation with the three Southeast Asian countries, improving on safety and security “for a stable and secure maritime environment.”

The PCG said personnel onboard Gabriela Silang would engage with Thailand’s Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Vietnam Coast Guard during the respective port visits.

They would perform bilateral meetings, maritime activities (including search and rescue and communication exercises), people-to-people engagements as well as facility and cultural visits.