Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, has deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) to Sandy Cay and Pag-asa Island in response to the directive of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr to strengthen the PCG's presence at the said vicinity waters.

 During its maritime patrol, BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) also conducted a ferry mission for the residents of Kalayaan, Palawan, who joined the GREAT KALAYAAN EXPEDITION 2023 from 16 to 22 March 2023.

 This was to promote local tourism in the islands of Lawak, Likas, and Pag-asa.

 The said PCG vessel also accommodated the Repair and Maintenance team of the Coast Guard District Palawan-District Support Group for Command Observation Post (COP) Lawak and the eight-incoming duty of Philippine National Police Special Operation Unit-Maritime Group at Pag-asa Island.

 Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Legal Service, Coast Guard Medical Team, Regional Coordinating Center Palawan, and Coast Guard Special Operating Unit Palawan provided force augmentation.

 During the said mission, BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) sighted multiple vessel of interest (VOI) of China in different vicinity waters of Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

 PCG personnel also monitored eight foreign fishing vessels through Radio Detection and Ranging and Automatic Identification System (RADAR/AIS) with visual confirmation at the vicinity waters of Menzies Reef conducting fishing activities using superlight.

 They also reported the presence of two more foreign fishing vessels at the vicinity waters of Lawak Island.