1-1-2024 (MANILA) The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced plans to hire an additional 4,000 personnel in 2024 to address the increasing demands in maritime security and fulfill its diverse responsibilities. PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo recently revealed that a “massive recruitment” drive is being considered to bring the total number of Coast Guard personnel closer to the target of 100,000.
Balilo explained the rationale behind the recruitment efforts, stating that the goal is to have three Coast Guardians per kilometer of coastline. With an estimated 37,000 kilometers of coastline in the Philippines, this would require approximately 111,000 personnel. The PCG aims to achieve this objective within the next 10 to 15 years. Currently, the PCG has around 30,000 personnel.
The PCG’s primary functions encompass maritime safety, security, and law enforcement, including activities such as maritime search and rescue operations and marine environment protection. In a statement, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan described 2023 as a “challenging” year for the PCG.
Gavan emphasized the professionalism demonstrated by the PCG throughout the year and highlighted the need to manage public expectations. He acknowledged the public’s desire for assertiveness but stressed the importance of maturity and professionalism in pursuing the broader interests of the nation.
Coast Guard ships have been escorting routine and resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and have reportedly encountered aggression and risky maneuvers from Chinese vessels.
On December 1, the PCG inaugurated the newly upgraded Coast Guard Station Kalayaan Island Group on Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan. Gavan expressed the symbolic significance of the building, representing the PCG’s commitment to continuous improvement in securing the country’s territories and jurisdiction.
In 2023, the PCG responded to over 1,200 maritime incident reports and rescued approximately 5,500 individuals nationwide. Gavan reaffirmed the PCG’s dedication to responsible governance of the seas, emphasizing their dual role of pursuing offenders while providing assistance to all users of the sea within their maritime zones.
