The regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2024 between and among the coast guards of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan will be held in Bacolod City this week, with the arrival ceremony for the participating vessels this morning at the Bredco Port.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) will join the MARPOLEX.
“Our oceans, essential to the prosperity of our nation, faces growing threats from maritime pollution. This exercise underscores our steadfast dedication to protecting these precious waters, from securing our maritime borders to executing swift emergency responses,” CG Commodore Rejard Marfe said on behalf of Coast Guard fleet commander, Rear Admiral Edgar Ybañez, during the BRP Gabriela Silang send-off ceremony at the Panacan Wharf in Davao City June 19.
“We exemplify steadfast guardianship to our nation’s ship, serving as a beacon of safety and protection of the open waters. To the crew of BRP Gabriela Silang, you embark on this mission not just as Coast Guards, but as custodians of our marine environment.
“Your dedication will enhance our readiness, allowing us to promptly and efficiently respond to pollution incidents, thus protecting marine ecosystems and coastal communities,” he added in a PCG press release.
The declaration of the start of MARPOLEX will be tomorrow, June 25, while the exercise proper is on June 26. Activities include search and rescue, firefighting, and oil spill and equipment recovery operations.
“May your efforts result in cleaner and safer seas for all,” Marfe added. ||
