Army to support Coast Guard in maritime law enforcement

September 29, 2020

Army chief Lt. General Cirilito Sobejana vowed to support the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in its maritime law enforcement and security operations as he visited the PCG on Monday.

Commodore Armando Balilo, PCG spokesman, said during Gapay's meeting with PCG Commandant Admiral George Ursabia Jr., Sobejana expressed that the Army is willing to support the Coast Guard in maritime law enforcement and maritime security.

“We should always work side-by-side. We have to stand as one, as a nation, as an organization, so that we can better serve our own people. The public has high expectations on us and we should not fail them. We can do that by displaying utmost dedication, commitment, and of course, to be passionate about what we are doing,” Sobajana said.

Sobejana and Ursabia belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987.

Balilo said the PCG and Army "agreed to partner in securing the Philippine maritime industry against possible sabotage of lawless elements to ensure that the shipping industry, seafaring industry, and other maritime sectors remain vibrant and dynamic amid the COVID-19 pandemic."

He said Ursabia also "expressed his sincerest gratitude to the Army for working with the Coast Guard in fulfilling its mandate, especially now when the PCG is more compelled to boost the national economy through its efforts in securing the Philippine maritime domain"

“We are an archipelago. We do realize that shipping business plays a vital role in the economy – movement of cargo, movement of people, so we are really working closely with our sister agencies in the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to make sure that these activities are restored, Ursabia said.

We truly believe that our partnership with the Army will help us in addressing existing challenges – in unity," he added.

Balilo said "after the short meeting participated by other senior officials of the Coast Guard and the Army, Admiral Ursabia showcased PCG’s newest H145 light twin engine helicopter from Germany used in maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection initiatives, as well as in the transport of PPE sets and medical supplies in various cities and provinces across the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic." Robina Asido/DMS