Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed Maseh Zarif, staff director of the Select Committee on China of the United States House of Representatives, at its national headquarters in Port Area, Manila, to discuss maritime cooperation and the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting held on Monday reaffirmed the longstanding partnership and alliance between the Philippines and the U.S. Discussions centered on various aspects of maritime security, including search and rescue interoperability, capacity building, and the collective pursuit of a free, open, and rules-based maritime domain.

During the meeting, PCG commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan highlighted the advancement of bilateral relations, focusing on mechanisms such as the Mutual Defense Board, Security Engagement Board, and the Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Agreement. He noted that these mechanisms continue to strengthen joint protocols, real-time information sharing, and maritime law enforcement cooperation.

The discussion also covered the PCG's participation in the Rim of the Pacific 2026 multilateral exercise. The PCG stated that this reflects the organization's growing interoperability with allied maritime forces and its expanding role in promoting regional maritime stability.

Other initiatives addressed included advancing Maritime Domain Awareness through communication and fleet modernization, as well as workforce development to maintain operational readiness. Gavan emphasized that the PCG's strength lies in its professionalism, adherence to international law, and commitment to truth.

The meeting aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s 'Bagong Pilipinas' vision. It aimed to strengthen the PCG's Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response, and Enforcement program and reinforce the spirit of Organized National Engagement at Sea through enhanced regional maritime cooperation, collective security, and the shared pursuit of a safe, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.