US, Japan, PH Coast Guards discuss ways to ensure Indo-Pacific stability, security

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG), the US Coast Guard (USCG), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday agreed on the necessity of "conducting periodical exercises to ensure the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific region."

During the trilateral working-level meeting, the three agencies agreed to continue trilateral efforts in human resource development, highlighting the importance of joint training, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said in a statement.

The embassy noted that the agencies agreed to closer information exchange and confirmed further coordination for expanded cooperation in various fields.

"In light of the recent MT Princess Empress oil spill, the PCG thanked the cooperation of Japan and the US in Mindoro. In turn, the coast guards of both countries expressed their readiness to provide the utmost support and willingness to cooperate in similar happenings in the future," the statement read.

The JCG, PCG, and USCG will conduct trilateral maritime exercises from June 5 to 7 to strengthen the agencies' interoperability.

Embassy of Japan Charges d'affaires (CDA) ad interim Matsuda Kenichi, Director for C.G. International Cooperation, JCG HQ, Captain Atsushi Miura, USCG Cutter Stratton, Captain Brian C. Krautler, and PCG Vice Admiral Rolando Punzalan Jr. were among the attendees, while JCG Commandant Admiral Shohei Ishii and Pacific Area Commander Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson delivered a video message. — DVM, GMA Integrated News