Philippine Coast Guard ship visits Da Nang for the first time
On the morning of April 14, a offshore patrol boat of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) docked at Tien Sa port, officially starting a friendly visit to Da Nang city.
The BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) offshore patrol boat of the Philippine Coast Guard, captained by Colonel Eleizer Gonzales Ibarientos and 84 crew members, visited Da Nang for the first time. This is an event marking the first time a PCG ship has visited Vietnam, taking place from April 14 to 17.
The official welcoming ceremony took place solemnly with the participation of representatives of the Coast Guard Region 2 Command, Da Nang City People's Committee, Military Region 5 Command, the City Border Guard and Military Command, the Department of Foreign Affairs (Ministry of National Defense), Navy Region 3 and relevant authorities. At the same time, the Vietnam Coast Guard warmly welcomed a high-level working delegation of PCG led by Rear Admiral Joeven L Fabul, Deputy Commander, and representatives of the Embassy and the Philippine Defense attache Office in Vietnam.
Within the framework of the visit, the PCG delegation will carry out meaningful activities including giving a warm welcome to the leaders of the Da Nang City People's Committee and the Coast Guard Region 2 Command; visiting and exchanging sports at the Coast Guard Region 2 Command; especially participating in joint drills on search and rescue and fire prevention at sea with Vietnam Coast Guard vessels.
The BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) is the first offshore patrol vessel and the second largest and most modern vessel in the current PCG payroll.
This historic visit is of great significance, an activity to concretize the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard signed in January 2024. This is a valuable opportunity for officers and employees of the two forces to increase exchanges, learn, and share experiences in law enforcement at sea, thereby contributing to strengthening the relationship of friendship, cooperation, understanding and mutual trust. Colonel Eleizer Gonzales Ibarientos emphasized his desire to cooperate and learn from experiences from Vietnam and its partners, aiming to ensure maritime safety and security in the region.
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