PCG to join task force securing southern Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard will join military forces in securing the country’s southern parts, the PCG said in a statement over the weekend.

Following the deactivation of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, the PCG’s Southwestern Mindanao district will join the JTF Poseidon to “safeguard maritime borders and enhance maritime security in Southwestern Philippines.”

The JTF Poseidon was created on July 9 with the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command as its lead unit.

Vice Admiral Robert Patrimonio, PCG Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command chief, said the PCG would support the program that included “operations to enforce maritime laws, combat illicit activities, ensure maritime stability, and protect the country’s maritime domain.”

Rear Admiral Francisco Tagamolila Jr., concurrent commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and JTF Poseidon, said the group would “fortify defense capabilities within WestMinCom’s Joint Area of Operations.”