Philippine Navy Chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, said instead of competing, all agencies tasked to protect the country’s maritime domains should complement one another in fulfilling this mission.

“We are not competitors. We share the same maritime space. The problems in the maritime area are the same problem(s) (we face),” Bacordo said during the visit of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant, Adm. George Ursubia, at the Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada along Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Tuesday.

Ursabia, meanwhile, said the PCG needs the help of the Navy and maritime agencies, such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in protecting the country’s waters.

“There are a lot of users in the sea but there are also a lot of violators to the sea and our job is to ensure safety, security, and a clean ocean and seas. Hence, we really need the PN (Philippine Navy) and other agencies such as BFAR, (Bureau of) Customs, and others, to help us achieve this. This meeting will be a start and we are looking forward (to) strengthen our partnership,” he said.

Ursabia also expressed his appreciation for the two maritime organization’s continued “harmonious relationship”.

During his visit, Bacordo, along with select members of his staff, discussed collaborations and plans, especially in maritime law enforcement across the country.

Ursabia’s visit to Bacordo came two months after the Navy chief’s courtesy call at the PCG headquarters in South Harbor, Manila.

These engagements aim to enhance ties between the two agencies as they share the responsibility of monitoring and defending the Philippine maritime domain. (PNA)