MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) dispatched two major vessels and a specialized team on Friday, October 2, to participate in a joint multinational exercise aimed at improving marine pollution and oil spill response capabilities in Indonesia.
A formal send-off ceremony took place at Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila, for the contingent set to join the 24th Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX), which will run from October 8 to 12 in Bitung and Manado, North Sulawesi.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab underscored the importance of the exercise in reinforcing the agency’s operational readiness.
“Through its participation, the PCG reaffirms its commitment to strengthening national and regional capabilities to prevent, respond to, and mitigate marine pollution incidents, while promoting cooperation toward a safer, cleaner, and more resilient maritime environment,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said.
The maritime exercise is hosted by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation, in collaboration with the Japan Coast Guard.
To represent the country, the PCG deployed the offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) alongside the multi-role response vessel BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401).
The Philippine delegation comprises personnel from various specialized units, including the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Command, the Special Operations Force, the Medical Service, and the Nursing Service.
According to the PCG, these units will contribute specialized skills in environmental protection, emergency response tactics, rescue operations, and field medical assistance.
The annual MARPOLEX event serves as a joint platform for regional maritime agencies to test response protocols, enhance operational coordination, and refine interoperability when dealing with hazardous material leaks, chemical incidents, and oil spills at sea.