MANILA, Philippines (08 June 2019)- A maritime security briefing to the delegates of the Japan Self-Defense Force-Joint Staff College (JSDF-JSC) was hosted by the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Maritime Security Services (CG-14) during their field study visit at the National Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard in Manila on June 04, 2019.

The JSDF-JSC delegates are composed of 15 Senior Officers headed by Captain Katsuya Yumamoto from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Captain Glenda Pereyra PCG (DSC), Chief of CG-14 conveyed grateful appreciation for the continued support from the Japan government in modernizing and upgrading the PCG’s capabilities.

During the briefing, it was stressed that maritime security is one of the important functions of the PCG. Considering the archipelagic character of the country, it is vital to enhance the security of its different maritime zones to protect the integrity as a nation. In the performance of this function, the PCG contributes to maintain good order at sea by conducting regular patrol and surveillance for safety of navigation of ships, to safeguard ships from illegal acts and to promote freedom of navigation. The maritime security mandate is also focused on combating maritime transnational crimes particularly piracy, terrorism, human trafficking and other threats that compromise the security of our waters and the country in general.

The study visit concluded with an interactive discussion between the delegates and PCG Officers on the pressing issues in the West Philippine Sea cooperation and information sharing with local and international counterparts, response mechanism on maritime security threats and training programs for personnel, among others.