Japanese ship arrives

The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) vessel PHL02 Tsugaru arrived and dock at South Harbor, Manila today, July 11 to conduct the 6th Joint Maritime Law Enforcement (MARLEN) Exercise together with the Philippine Coast Guard.(Philippine Coast Guard photo)

A SHIP of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) is in the country for joint maritime drills with their Philippine counterpart in combating piracy and armed robbery at sea.

The JCG vessel PLH02 Tsugaru docked at Manila South Harbor on Monday morning, two days before its scheduled  exercises with the Philippine Coast Guard.

PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo said the Japanese ship and its Bell 412 utility helicopter will participate in Wednesday’s  drills on Manila Bay.

This will be the sixth iteration of the Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Exercise.

“The joint exercise focuses on combating piracy and armed robbery at sea, with the PCG’s Security and Law Enforcement Command taking part in it,” Balilo said.

He said the drills aimed to further hone the capabilities of both coast guards in conducting airlift rescue operations and to enhance the mutual cooperation between the two forces.

Two PCG ships, the BRP Pampanga and the BRP Davao, as well as 70 PCG personnel will join the maritime drills with 50 Japanese participants.

Representatives from law enforcement agencies of Malaysia, Australia and the United States will observe the day-long drill.  Julie M. Aurelio