The Philippine Coast Guard is predicted to have a further 4,000 personnel earlier than the yr ends, in accordance with the PCG spokesperson on Saturday.
“Before the year ends this year, we’re also expected to have an additional 4,000, which will make the PCG 30,000 strong,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stated at a media discussion board in Quezon City.
Tarriela stated the help of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. considerably boosted their functionality and complemented the initiatives carried out by previous administrations.
“In the first year of the presidency of President Bongbong Marcos, he added an additional 4,000; that’s why we now have 26,000,” Tarriela stated.
Tarriela additionally talked about the necessity for a response base, the PCG Modernization Law, and berthing areas for its vessels.
He stated that the Coast Guard is prepared to just accept further funds from the federal government.
“If the legislators themselves choose to realign some of the budget from different sources, not just from one particular source that you mentioned, of course the PCG will also be happy to receive those realignments,” the PCG spokesperson stated.
Tarriela additionally welcomed the potential for joint patrols with the United States Coast Guard.
He then inspired the Filipino fishermen conducting operations within the contested waters to report any untoward incident, saying that the PCG “is always ready to respond and support.”
“Naiintindihan po namin ang danger na nakaatang sa aming balikat (We understand the danger placed on our shoulders), and we still have that commitment that we are going to comply with the directive of the President that no square inch of our territory will be surrendered to any foreign power,” Tarriela stated.
Marcos earlier stated that the Philippines wouldn’t hand over an inch of its territory and vowed to uphold its territorial integrity following China’s use of a military-grade laser in opposition to the PCG whereas on a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed in Ayungin Shoal on February 6. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
