Civil society support overwhelms PCG
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and donations from civil society for its troops deployed in the West Philippine Sea.
PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said that Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has expressed his gratitude on behalf of the men and women of the organization for the generosity of non-profit organizations and private stakeholders who continue to offer coast guard personnel gifts, essential goods, clothes, and medicine.
Balilo said Admiral Gavan also extended his appreciation to the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) members who constantly assist Coast Guard troops in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
«Rest assured that we will swiftly transport their gifts to Palawan so our Coast Guard troops can receive them before Christmas,» the PCG spokesman said on Friday.
Meanwhile, Gavan said in a statement that the PCG will escort civilian ships participating in the civilian-led Christmas convoy to the WPS.
He said the PCG is preparing for the December 10 event which will involve 40 civilian vessels.
Gavan said he directed the Coast Guard District Palawan to ensure the safety and security of at least 40 boats participating in the three-day Christmas caravan to various Philippine-held areas in the WPS that will commence on December 10.
The convoy will travel to Patag Island and Lawak Island where they will personally deliver gifts for the troops and residents.
«As early as now, we are preparing our security personnel and positioning our vessels to uphold maritime security and safety during the three-day humanitarian initiative,» Gavan said.
«As our fellow Filipinos step foot on Pag-asa Island, we hope this experience will ignite the spirit of patriotism and inspire them to stand with us in safeguarding the country's sovereign rights within our exclusive economic zones,» he added.
The Philippines occupies nine other maritime features – collectively known as Kalayaan Island Group – in the West Philippine Sea.
The Christmas convoy will be carried out in a show of opposition to China's assertion of sovereignty over South China Sea nearly in its entirety, including most of the western section of the Philippines' exclusive economic
