The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have strengthened collaboration on maintaining peace and order in Western Mindanao.

During his courtesy visit to the AFP Western Mindanao Command in Calarian, Zamboanga City yesterday, 04 April 2022, PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu assured Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr of the Coast Guard’s commitment to improving interoperability and cooperation with the military in the region.

“Our people deserve nothing but the best public service, especially during our recovery from the global pandemic. I come here to assure you of the PCG’s full support for all the efforts of the AFP WestMinCom for peace and order in Mindanao. Today, I urge our men and women to develop a deeper relationship that surpasses inevitable leadership changes,” CG Admiral Abu said to the AFP WestMinCom Commander.

For his part, Lieutenant General Rosario Jr recognized the importance of sustaining collaboration between the AFP and PCG, acknowledging the Coast Guard’s inclusion in the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) together with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Through our united efforts, we will not only fight terrorism and insurgency but also uphold maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection. We welcome this move anchored on mutual respect towards keeping our nation safe, secure, and free,” the AFP WestMinCom Commander expressed.