For the first time, the Philippine Coast Guard has deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) for its first mission in Makassar, Indonesia.
The multi-role response vessel will participate in the Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2022 from May 22 to 29.
PCG counterparts from Indonesia and Japan are participating in the maritime exercise.
Apart from BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), PCG will also deploy BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) and BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411) for the training.
According to PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu, such activity aims to strengthen the capacity of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan to respond whenever there are incidents of oil spills, fires, and other non-incidents at sea.
“Ite-test natin yung inter-operability ng Pilipinas, Indonesia at Japan… so ite-test natin yung ating inter operability capability, ‘yung equipment natin in oil spill recovery equipment, alam nyo naman oil spill knows no boundery so kailangan ready ang bansa natin, at ready yung mga neighboring countries natin na magrespond kapag may malalaking oil spill incident,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu.
At the send-off ceremony Monday, an estimated 250 PCG personnel were included in the Marine Pollution Exercise.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua will also include 1,325 trainees who will undergo the Coast Guard Non-Officer’s Course and be delivered to the Coast Guard Regional Training Centers in Taguig, La Union, and Zamboanga.
BRP Teresa Magbanua to join Regional Marine Pollution Exercise in Indonesia
Abu also said that BRP Teresa Magbanua would be included in the vessel deployment in the West Philippine Sea after the Marine Pollution Exercise.
He said the current situation in the West Philippine Sea is good and peaceful.
According to the official, PCG personnel now deployed there have put up buoy markers or safety markers to ensure the safe navigation of the WPS and our fellow fishers.
“Naglagay kami sa Lawak, sa Likas, sa panata at 2 sa Kalayaan Island, lima… by Wednesday we will be receiving the task force of the Coast Guard na naglagay ng markers doon, safety markers to assist the fishermen venturing the sea, actually nakita natin na marami tayong mangingisdang Pilipino na nandoon… ang instruction ko sa Coast Guard vessel, limang barko ng Coast Guard ang nandoon 1 week sila doon na nagtatanim ng tayo ng buoys, safety markers that helps the fishermen,” said Abu.
On Wednesday, arrival honors will be given to those who placed safety markers at WPS for the successful mission.
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