PHL Coast Guard hosts 2nd maritime drill with US, ASEAN members

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is hosting the week-long second maritime security exercise with the United States and fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-countries at the Port Area in Manila.

According to PCG spokesman Captain Armand Balilo, the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) Exercise's boarding workshop will be held from August 27 to 31 at the Coast Guard Surface Support Force at the South Harbor, with the aim to address common concerns of maritime security threats prevalent in the ASEAN region such as illegal fishing, smuggling, illegal drug, and human trafficking.

Balilo said the event also aims "to promote mutual international cooperation between participating agencies."

Also participating in the maritie exercise are personnel from the PCG, Philippine Navy, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Singapore Navy, Royal Thai Navy, Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA Indonesia), Indonesian Navy-Komando Armanda I, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, and Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center.

Balilo said the US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment would lead the conduct of maritime interdiction operation/vessel board, search and seizure (MIO/VBSS) workshop on best practices of use of force and demonstration of arresting techniques; lecture on smuggling trends; drills on flex and handcuffing, positive control measures for compliant and non-compliant boarding and multiple-man room entry, tactical team movement; and inspections and weapons retention to be executed aboard PCG vessels.

For the conclusion of the exercise, a sea phase activity will be conducted with two tracking and boarding scenarios in Philippine waters, one at the west off Subic, Zambales while the other will be at the Sulu Sea. — Anna Felicia Bajo/MDM, GMA News