Foreign Affairs Secretary Manalo Visits Philippine Coast Guard, Highlights Shared Role in Upholding PH Sovereignty, Sovereign Rights in the West Philippine Sea

DFA Secretary Enrique A. Manalo rendered with full arrival honors by the Philippine Coast Guard (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)

MANILA 30 August 2023 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, together with senior officials of the Department, visited the National Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), one of the two largest PCG patrol vessels.

Secretary Manalo welcomed by PCG Officials, CG COMMO Jay Tarriela (top) and CG COMMO Algier Ricafrente (bottom) (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)

PCG Guestbook signing of Secretary Manalo with DFA and PCG senior officials (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)

Secretary Manalo was accorded with full arrival honors by the PCG, led by its Commandant CG Admiral Artemio M. Abu. The delegation then proceeded to tour BRP Melchora Aquino and received a briefing on the work of the Coast Guard, including the implementation of their mandate in the West Philippine Sea.

Secretary Manalo welcomed by CG Admiral Artemio M. Abu, PCG Commandant aboard BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)

Admiral Abu expressed his appreciation for the Department’s support of the PCG, the effort to foster maritime cooperation with regional partners mindful of the needs of the Coast Guard, and the readiness to work together in managing, within the respective mandates of the offices, the security concerns faced in the West Philippine Sea.

Secretary Manalo on the bridge of BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)

In his remarks, Secretary Manalo highlighted the importance of a comprehensive and efficient interagency coordination among all government offices, and to understand the capabilities as well as the challenges of those in the frontlines in asserting and securing the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights in PH maritime zones.

Top: DFA Secretary Manalo with CG VADM Rolando Lizor N. Punzalan Jr., PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations; Bottom: DFA Secretary Manalo with CG VADM Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration (Photo courtesy of DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)

Secretary Manalo was accompanied by Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Undersecretary Jesus S. Domingo, DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza, Policy Planning and Coordination Assistant Secretary Patrick A. Chuasoto, Maritime and Ocean Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce, Asian and Pacific Affairs Assistant Secretary Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau, and other DFA officials. END