Jamaine Punzalan

Philippine Coast Guard vessel MRRV-4402 maneuvers as a Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCGV) blocks from port side at a distance approximately 100 yards while the PCG vessel navigates within 12 nautical miles of Ayungin shoal in this photo taken last June 30 and issued on Wednesday. The PCG expressed concerns regarding the aggressive behavior of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels as it constantly followed, harassed, and obstructed MRRV-4402, which blatantly disregards the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).

Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard

Article (news)

West PH Sea

Katrina Domingo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday lauded the Philippine Coast Guard for its “unwavering commitment” in protecting the Philippines’ sovereign rights  as he promoted several officials and pledged further upgrades for the agency that has been patrolling the West Philippine Sea amid China’s illegal incursions.The PCG has been “defining for the rest of the world the territory of the Republic of the Philippines” and has been “defending that territory,” the President said during the oath-taking ceremony of newly promoted Coast Guard officials.“What you are doing is not only protecting territory. What you are doing is not only protecting citizens,” he said<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/6/pcg-escorts-illegal-chinese-research-vessel-out-of-ph-waters-1427">PCG escorts &#x27;illegal&#x27; Chinese research vessel out of PH waters</a> </div>“The missions are declarations: we will always stand for what is ours, and we will do so with dignity, with integrity, [and] with strength,” he said.Between January 2024 to March 2025 alone, the PCG has conducted 130 maritime patrols and domain awareness activities, and 33,000 sea marshaling operations that resulted into nearly 600 individuals held accountable for illegal maritime activities, Marcos Jr. said.The PCG has also responded to over 2,000 maritime incidents and rescued nearly 4,500 individuals, he noted.“This is what sets the PCG apart: In the face of uncertainty, you show up. In the middle of the storm, you bring order. In the loneliest parts of our waters, you bring hope, and you go beyond protecting lives—you also protect what sustains life,” the Chief Executive said.“And in moments when lives hang in the balance, you have proven time and again: The Coast Guard is there. The Coast Guard never turns away,” he said.While the PCG has “made meaningful progress,” the national government “must also recognize that the work is never over,” Marcos Jr. said.“In a time of global instability and rising maritime tensions, we look to you, together with the Philippine Navy and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to stand the ground in stormy seas and never waver in what is right,” he said.<div> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/5/pcg-says-chinese-ship-conducting-deep-sea-exploration-in-ph-eez-1928">PCG says Chinese ship conducting &#x27;deep-sea exploration&#x27; in PH EEZ</a></div>“This administration stands with you to boost your capabilities through advanced vessels, through new technologies, and to support systems which reflect the scale and the urgency of your work,” he said.“Just as you protect our people, we will ensure that you and your families are likewise protected,” he said, underscoring that he has signed the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program earlier this year to support “personnel who face any charge arising from incidents related to the performance [of] their official duty,&quot; he explained.Marcos Jr. reminded the two Vice Admirals, eight Rear Admirals, and 19 Commodores that were promoted in the ceremony in Malacañang that this progress in their careers “is a declaration that your country now entrusts you with greater responsibility, and expects greater sacrifice to make a legacy that we can uphold.&quot; “Your promotions are not merely steps in your careers—they are steps forward for yourselves, for the Coast Guard, but also for the nation,” he said.“You now wear stars on your shoulders, may these remind you to embrace with humility, to lead with purpose, and to serve with courage,” he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the Philippine Coast Guard for its “unwavering commitment” in protecting the Philippines’ sovereign rights as he promoted several officials and pledged further upgrades for the agency that has been patrolling the West Philippine Sea.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the Philippine Coast Guard for its “unwavering commitment” in protecting the Philippines’ sovereign rights as he promoted several officials and pledged further upgrades for the agency that has been patrolling the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos Jr. lauds PCG for protecting West PH Sea, vows boost in capabilities

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Marcos Jr. lauds PCG for protecting West PH Sea, vows boost in capabilities

Katrina Domingo,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 06, 2025 05:34 PM PHT

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Updated May 11, 2025 04:29 PM PHT

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