BRP GABRIELA SILANG’s MAIDEN PORT CALL STRENGTHENS PHILIPPINES-MALAYSIA MARITIME COOPERATION

Port Klang, Selangor 11 April 2025 – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), makes its first port call at Port Klang, Selangor on 08-10 April 2025 as part of its tri-country port visit to Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam from 01 to 17 April 2025.

The visit coincides with the engagement of the PCG delegation led by Rear Admiral (RADM) Hostillo Arturo E. Cornelio, Chief of Coast Guard Staff, in bilateral discussions and joint exercises with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) aimed at strengthening cooperation in maritime safety, security, and promoting mutual trust among regional coast guard agencies.

The three-day port visit commenced on 08 April with the arrival of BRP Gabriela Silang at Port Klang Cruise Terminal in Selangor from Thailand. On 09 April, senior officials of PCG and MMEA held a bilateral meeting to discuss cooperation activities. This was followed by a dinner reception onboard the BRP Gabriela Silang hosted by the PCG, which was attended by officers and staff of the MMEA, as well as members of the diplomatic corps in Malaysia.

In her remarks during the reception, H.E. Ambassador Maria Angela A. Ponce described the BRP Gabriela Silang as “a symbol of strength, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the Filipino people”. She highlighted the vessel’s distinguished service record in rescue missions and humanitarian operations and underscored its important role as part of the frontline safeguarding the Philippines' waters, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. She also paid tribute to the dedicated men and women of the BRP Gabriela Silang and the PCG, whose dedication and service continue to ensure the security, safety, and well-being of the Filipino people, while safeguarding the Philippines’ maritime interest and sovereignty, and contributing to regional security and stability.

Ambassador Ponce further expressed gratitude to the MMEA for their warm hospitality and continued partnership and commitment to fostering strong relations between Philippines and Malaysia.

On 10 April, the final day of the visit, PCG and MMEA will carry out table-top exercise (TTX) and a communications exercise (COMEX) before the ship's departure for the next leg of the mission in Vietnam.

The BRP Gabriela Silang’s port visit reaffirms the PCG's commitment to solidarity with Southeast Asian countries and its role in promoting a safe and secure maritime environment for the region. END

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