RP, Indian coast guards to conduct joint exercises

MANILA, Philippines –The Philippine Coast Guard and the Indian Coast Guard wil hold joint exercies for two days starting on Wednesday at the Manila to improve their skills in enforcing maritime laws, battlling piracy, and responding to oilspills. The two units will also discuss the possibility of more cross-training programs and other forms of cooperation such as information and technology sharing, according to Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant. Joining the exercises are the Indian Coast Guard's offshore patrol vessel ICGS Varad and fast patrol vessel ICGS Bhikhaiji Kama, whic are on a goodwill visit to the Philippines. On the Philippine side, the vessels joining the exercises are search and rescue Vessels BRP San Juan (SAR 001) and BRP Pampanga (SARV 003), along with PCG Helo 636. The head of Indian Coast Guard delegation – Inspector General SP Sharma – and his staff visited Tamayo on Tuesday. The other participants to the joint exercise are Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response, Anti-Piracy and Maritime Law Enforcement, Special Operations Group Divers, Anti-Terrorism Team, Oil Response Team, and Medical Team. The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel will observe the training exercises. Next year, the PCG will send two ships - BRP Corregidor (AE-891) and MT Habagat (TB-271) – to Indonesia to conduct joint exercises with the Indonesian Coast Guard. - GMANews.TV