Marcos lauds PCG’s defense of PH territory, West Philippine Sea

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, commended the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for protecting the country’s territory and sovereign rights, particularly the West Philippine Sea (WPS). — File photo

MANILA, Philippines —  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday commended the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for protecting the country’s territory and sovereign rights, particularly the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

At the oath-taking ceremony of 29 newly promoted PCG officers, Marcos said their continued patrols across the Kalayaan Island Group, the Philippine Rise, and other maritime zones reaffirm the government’s unwavering commitment to the country’s sovereign rights.

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“What you are doing is not only protecting territory. What you are doing is not only protecting citizens. You are defining for the rest of the world the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. And having done so, you are defending that territory. That is the importance of what the job has become for the Philippine Coast Guard,” he also said.

“The missions are declarations: we will always stand for what is ours, and we will do so with dignity, with integrity, [and] with strength,” President Marcos also said.

Marcos reiterated the government’s efforts to support the welfare of the PCG personnel.

“This administration stands with you to boost your capabilities through advanced vessels, through new technologies, and to support systems which reflect the scale and the urgency of your work,” he said.

“Just as you protect our people, we will ensure that you and your families are likewise protected. Aside from the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program, I am pleased to note that in April 2025, I signed the Free Legal Assistance for Military and Uniformed Personnel Act. This benefits personnel who face any charge arising from incidents related to the performance [of] their official duty,” Marcos also said.

Moreover, President Marcos honored the PCG personnel who died in the multi-vehicle collision at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway toll on May 1.

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“Let us take a moment to honor and to remember Seawoman Second Class Dain Janica Rendoque Alinas,” he said at the beginning of his speech.

“She is no longer with us, but her courage and dedication continue to live on. Allow me to extend my deepest condolences and prayers to her family and to the PCG community,” Marcos also said.

From January 2024 to March 2025, the PCG conducted 2.72 million inspections and 44,777 seaborne missions and patrolled over 3.1 million square nautical miles, according to Marcos.

They have also handled over 2,000 incidents and rescued nearly 4,500 individuals.