Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday held the official send-off ceremony for BRP Gabriela Silang and BRP Miguel Malvar to join the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2026. The event marked a significant milestone for the PCG, which had previously participated only as an observer in this international maritime exercise.
According to Philippines News Agency, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan expressed pride in the PCG's enhanced capabilities, emphasizing the importance of the PCG's active participation in this year's RIMPAC. "The Philippine Coast Guard has arrived-we are now able, we are now capable of participating in such an exercise alongside our peers and partners," Gavan stated. He highlighted that the PCG has achieved the necessary fleet readiness to be an active participant in the exercise.
Admiral Gavan attributed this advancement to the modernization efforts supported by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Congress, the Senate, and the maritime industry. He emphasized that these efforts have enabled the PCG to reach this level of readiness. During the send-off event, Gavan detailed that the BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP Miguel Malvar, and their crew will engage in various exercises and drills, including search and rescue, information exchange, public affairs, and humanitarian assistance with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and other international participants.
He also noted that the exercise will serve as a test for the PCG's logistics system, showcasing their capability to deploy ships beyond their usual bases. Additionally, Admiral Gavan announced the forthcoming acquisition of the USCGC Reliance, a 64-meter cutter from the USCG, to bolster the PCG's operational capabilities. This vessel, known for its resilience in harsh conditions, will be a valuable addition to the PCG fleet.
The PCG contingent will join more than 30 partner nations in RIMPAC 2026, focusing on advancing maritime cooperation, operational interoperability, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, maritime law enforcement, and regional maritime security.
