The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) marks a significant milestone as they welcomed the Indonesia Coast Guard (BAKAMLA RI) Patrol Vessel “KN Gajah Laut 404” for their inaugural port visit at DPWH Panacan Wharf in Davao City, Philippines from 20 to 24 November 2023.

PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan and the Head of BAKAMLA RI, Vice Admiral DR. Irvansyah, S.H., engaged in a productive discussion encompassing bilateral cooperation and shared perspectives on pertinent regional matters.

The discussion fostered a fruitful exchange, resulting in pivotal agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration between BAKAMLA RI and PCG.

BAKAMLA RI expressed their gratitude to the PCG for successfully hosting the inaugural Port Visit and for its unwavering commitment to building partnerships and enhancing maritime cooperation.

“The PCG’s warm welcome to BAKAMLA RI reflects the strong and valued partnership between the Coast Guards of Indonesia and the Philippines. We look forward to having more opportunities to work together and enhance maritime safety and security in our shared waters,” CG Vice Admiral Irvansyah expressed.

During the speech of CG Admiral Gavan, he stated that “the PCG and BAKAMLA RI share the same responsibilities in safeguarding the maritime domain of an archipelagic nation, and I believe that through an open and constructive dialogue, we can address the challenges we face and explore new avenues for cooperation."

“The way to achieve our goals as a maritime nation is through building and enhancing our relationship with our neighbors in the Southeast Asia. This relationship is bind by our white ships that represent our humanitarian endeavors in this part of the world,” CG Admiral Gavan added.

During the week-long port visit, a range of people-to-people engagements were organized to promote camaraderie and strengthen collaboration among personnel of both agencies.

These activities include search and rescue tabletop exercises, joint community relations services, Coast Guard facility visit, and sporting events, all aims to facilitate meaningful interactions and professional exchanges between the personnel of the PCG and Indonesian Coast Guard.

This port visit marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two Coast Guard organizations which highlights both countries’ commitment to maritime security and establishes a foundation for a stronger partnership, promoting goodwill and collaboration in the Southeast Asian region.