Australia Helps Strengthen Philippine Maritime Security

JAKARTA - Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said her country would help strengthen Philippine maritime security to support peace and security in the region.

"Today, in Manila, I announce that we are increasing our maritime cooperation - providing equipment, training, and drone technology to strengthen the capabilities of @costguardph (Main Coast Guard)," Wong said on Twitter as reported by ANTARA, Friday, May 19.

He made the announcement after visiting the Philippine Coast Guard National Headquarters (PCG) in Port Area, Manila.

The Philippines has an important role in the sustainability of our regional stability and security. The two countries want to see a peaceful area and where international law is respected, "said Wong, following the expansion of maritime cooperation between the United States and the Philippines that was previously announced.

During his visit to Manila, Wong met with PCG Commander Admiral Artemio M Abu and discussed opportunities to improve the success of the existing Philippine and Australian maritime law enforcement cooperation, as well as training and workshops for personnel in the future, PCG said in a separate statement.

The Philippine Coast Guard is very grateful for all the assistance provided by Australia starting from the acquisition of ships, awareness of maritime domains, and other ability development programs, human resource development and other capacity building programs, and especially the sustainability of PCG ships under the Marine Resources Initiative Program," said Admiral Abu.

The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Wong also announced construction assistance of 89.9 million Australian dollars (around Rp891.7 billion) during 2023-2024.

Wong announced financial assistance to support economic growth, education, training and scholarships, disaster and climate resilience, as well as peace and stability in Mindanao during his meeting with his Filipino counterparts.

Meanwhile, Philippine Military Commander General Andres C Centino visited a remote island in Palawan Province, which is located near the disputed Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, where he spoke to Philippine soldiers.

The visit came after a recent friction between the Philippine and Chinese maritime vessels.

I will count on you to do your job here in Western Command, ensuring to do your job to secure the area. I also want to reassure you that our national leadership has supported our desire to truly improve our ability to defend our territory," Centino told the Philippine army.