Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan, has saluted the Coast Guard District North Western Luzon (CGDNWLZN) for its efficient response to the collision of two foreign vessels in the vicinity waters off Ilocos Sur on 12 December 2023.

"The PCG remains firm on its resolve towards responsible governance of our seas — that is, we go after offenders but also render aid to all users of the sea within our maritime zones," CG Admiral Gavan said in a statement today, 17 December 2023.

"I commend the CDNWLZN Commander, CG Captain Ivan Roldan, and all of his units, especially BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403), for their professional and competent handling of this incident," he furthered.

At around 930AM on 12 December 2023, the CGDNWLZN assisted a Taiwanese fishing vessel, FV SHENG FENG NO. 12, that collided with a suspected Bangladeshi-flagged bulk carrier, MV JAWAD, at the vicinity 77 nautical miles west off Candon, Ilocos Sur.

Taiwan Coast Guard Attaché, Commander Arthur Yang, coordinated the collision with the PCG Command Center, leading to the immediate deployment of BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) to assist the Taiwanese fishing vessel.

The Philippine authorities ensured the five Indonesian and two Taiwanese crew members of SHENG FENG NO. 12 were safe and in good physical condition when they arrived for further assistance at the Salomague Port, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, on 13 December 2023.

The following day, 14 December 2023, five Indonesian and two Taiwanese crew members of FV SHENG FENG NO. 12 were turned over safely by BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) to Taiwan Coast Guard Cutter Shun Hu No. 1 at the vicinity waters 4.3 nautical miles northwest of Salomague Island en route back to Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the PCG continues to coordinate with MV JAWAD for further investigation and necessary measures concerning the maritime incident.

[Progress report to follow]