The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Special Projects Division successfully concluded the three-day capacity-building training titled β€œStrengthening Maritime Law Enforcement: DOJ Prosecutors Capacity Building Training for the Philippine Coast Guard” in Tagaytay City, yesterday 04 July 2025.

This undertaking aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strengthen the competencies of its Station Commanders from various units, enhancing their legal and prosecutorial readiness in addressing maritime law enforcement challenges.

The Closing Ceremony was led by Deputy State Prosecutor Margaret Castillo-Padilla and PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration, Rear Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio PCG.

The capacity-building program focused on strengthening legal intervention and prosecution by covering sectoral justice delivery, ethical enforcement, emerging crimes, evidence handling, investigative techniques and procedures, and practical application through moot court exercises.

Rear Admiral Cornelio, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of legal literacy and prosecutorial coordination in the Coast Guard’s frontline operations. He expressed gratitude to the DOJ trainers for their commitment to inter-agency cooperation and capacity building.

For her part, Deputy State Prosecutor Castillo-Padilla underscored the DOJ’s continued support through Department Circular No. 020, which mandates prosecutorial involvement during case build-up. She cited the β€œTriple C” framework-Close Coordination and Cooperation between prosecutors and law enforcement-as vital to maintaining legal integrity from operations to prosecution.

According to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Education and Training (CG-12), the training marks a significant milestone in institutional synergy, ensuring that maritime law enforcement is aligned with legal standards, thereby reinforcing justice across Philippine waters.

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