MANILA: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) have signed an agreement for the security of international ships and ports and joint training initiatives. In a statement Wednesday, the PCG said the memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and OTS Administrator, Undersecretary Crisaldo Nieves, at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Oct. 15. During the meeting, Gavan said the MOA represented more than a formal arrangement 'but a symbol of a shared vision for growth, innovation, and an integrated approach to maritime security.' On the other hand, Nieves said the agreement ensures the safety and security of the country's maritime domains. 'This partnership embodies our collective aspiration to bolster maritime security across our vast archipelago,' he said. Under the MOA, the PCG shall perform 'control and compliance measures' prescribed under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code to secure ships in or intending to call at any Philippine port. 'Moreover, both parties shall cooperate in incident reporting, joint investigation, and operations, ensuring maritime transport security, as well as adhering to the provisions of Executive Order No. 197 dated 04 Feb. 2016 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and the National Security Program for Sea Transport and Maritime Infrastructure,' the MOA read. The PCG and OTS also agreed to conduct joint training and capacity-building initiatives. Source: Philippines News Agency