By Brian Jules Campued
Germany has committed to increase its support for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) by providing more drones, training opportunities, and person-to-person exchange.
PCG Commandant, Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan announced this development with local and foreign media partners after the courtesy visit of German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Thursday, Jan. 11.
During Baerbock’s visit, the PCG welcomed her on board the BRP Gabriela Silang where she was briefed on its regular operations.
“We talk broadly about three things. One is their increasing support for the development of drones for the Philippine Coast Guard. We will also be pursuing more training opportunities to broaden skills the Coast Guard would need,” CG Admiral Gavan said.
“We would also be increasing our person-to-person exchange to further deepen the relationship between Germany and the Philippine Coast Guard.”
Germany will donate an additional four drones to enhance the PCG’s performance of its mandated functions, Gavan added.
Two drones are currently in use by the PCG for training Coast Guard Aviation Force pilots which were also donated by the European country in 2022.
The PCG admiral further said that the donated equipment will be utilized in search and rescue operations as well as maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“Gagamitin natin sa search and rescue operations para mas madali nating mahanap yung mga missing persons or missing vessels. Gagamitin natin sa marine pollution response,” he said.
“Gagamitin din natin sa West Philippine Sea, Benham Rise, sa ating areas ‘dun sa South para ma-improve ang maritime domain awareness, para mas efficient at mas targeted ang operations.”
Gavan also expressed his intention to discuss having joint patrols in the WPS with Germany and pursue this capability building initiative in the future.
“Importante sa atin na kasama natin ‘yung mga malalaking ekonomiya na magbigay sa atin ng suporta upang ma-maintain natin yung rules-based peace and order, para sa kapayapaan ng buong mundo,” Gavan stressed. – cf
