PCG: The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) vessel PLH22 Yashima had a port call at South Harbor, Manila on May 03 for the conduct of the 5th Joint Maritime Law Enforcement (MARLEN) Exercise together with the Philippine Coast Guard.

The joint exercise about combating piracy and armed robbery at sea will happen on May 06 at vicinity waters off 1.8 NM Northwest of San Antonio, Cavite City to be observed by the delegates of Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies together with the VIP’s and other spectators.

PLH22 Yashima will participate in the activity with their assets consisting of a helicopter (Helicopter Bell 412) and rigid hull inflatable boat for board, search and seizure procedure. Likewise, the PCG will also deploy its floating and air assets to take part in the joint exercise.

The event aims to further enhance the capabilities of PCG and JCG to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea, to acquire knowledge and skills in conducting airlift rescue operations, and to established friendship and mutual understanding among the Heads of Asian Coast Guard agencies specifically between JCG and PCG.

The vessel will stay for the duration of the joint hosting of PCG and JCG of the 11th Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies-High Level Meeting on 03-07 May in Malate, Manila.

PLH 22 Yashima is a 130-meter search and rescue vessel with 5,204 GT, owned by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and based at Coast Guard Office in Fukuoka, Japan.