Phl now defense-capable — Marcos
‘Your accomplishments in the performance of your duty have consistently championed our country and our people’s rights and welfare in the face of daunting adversity and difficulties’
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‘Your accomplishments in the performance of your duty have consistently championed our country and our people’s rights and welfare in the face of daunting adversity and difficulties’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that the country can now defend its "sovereign territory" as the Philippine Coast Guard strengthens its maritime defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
On the sidelines of the PCG's 122nd founding anniversary celebration at South Harbor's Pier 15 in Port Area, Marcos said PCG is already expecting around 40 more vessels made in Cebu amid the string of aggression by Chinese vessels against the country.
"We are increasing our capability to defend the maritime sovereign territory of the Philippines, so we are continuing with the upgrading of equipment, training, and the capabilities of all our people, especially the Coast Guard," Marcos said.
"Not only because we are on the frontlines and the problems now we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, but also because of the very important function they play when it comes to search and rescue, maritime incidents, even disaster assistance," he added.
The President made it clear that the goal of improving the Coast Guard's skills is not only to make the country safer in the West Philippine Sea but also to improve how it handles accidents and disasters at sea.
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Marcos said the PCG will eventually have 40 40-foot ships, which will "give us more capability." He also said that the work is "ongoing."
He was also sure that the Philippines could buy more ships because the country "is lucky to have many friends around the world," including friendly countries in the area that want to help it with its plan to become more modern.
New commander
Marcos, also Tuesday has named Brig. General Jesus Nelson Morales as the new commander of the Presidential Security Group.
Morales, the deputy commander of the Philippine Air Force Air's Logistics Command, will be replacing Brig. General Ramon Zagala, in his new post.
Zagala, meanwhile, will be assuming a new role as Commander of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Palace is yet to announce the schedule of the change of command for PSG chief.
Meanwhile, PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu, during the 122nd Anniversary of the PCG, remembered personnel who offered their lives in fulfilling their duties as Coastguardians.
Abu in a speech said that last July 2023, PCG personnel risked their lives to rescue seven crew onboard a tugboat that ran aground in the vicinity waters off Aparri, Cagayan during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Egay.
He said the team successfully rescued seven crew members, who safely returned to their families, while unfortunately, four others did not make it, which until now, their bodies are still missing.
Another Coast Guard Special Operations Force rescue diver lost his life in an operation to locate a missing person in Lubao, La Union last 5 September 2023.
In his speech, Marcos thanked the PCG for its work to protect Filipino fishermen and the country's vast maritime area.
Marcos said that the honesty, discipline, and skill of the Coast Guard workforce have helped his government move toward its goal of a "stronger, more harmonious, and more resilient Philippines."
"Your accomplishments in the performance of your duty have consistently championed our country and our people's rights and welfare in the face of daunting adversity and difficulties," he told the PCG.
