U.S., Philippine Coast Guards Host Maritime Forum

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From Nov. 5 to 7 in Bagac, Bataan, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) co-hosted a Technical Expert Workshop for maritime law enforcement agencies from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam to enhance cooperation on shared maritime issues, including countering illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing.

The workshop brought together 30 delegates from participating nations’ coast guards, border security, and fisheries enforcement agencies.

They conducted technical exchanges and scenario-based simulation exercises to strengthen policies and standard operating procedures related to information sharing and operational coordination.

Participating countries will present their observations and recommendations at the 2025 Commanders’ Forum for senior leaders’ review.

The Technical Expert Workshop and the annual Commanders’ Forum are funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) through its Southeast Asia Maritime Law Enforcement Initiative (SEAMLEI).

Through SEAMLEI, the U.S. supports regional maritime cooperation.

“The annual SEAMLEI Commanders’ Forum and Technical Expert Workshop are key elements of the broader U.S. effort to enhance maritime cooperation among Southeast Asian partners,” U.S. Embassy INL Deputy Director Luke Bruns said.

PCG Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center Deputy Director Captain Noriel Ramos described the workshop as an effective venue for gathering with regional partners “to discuss and collaborate on maritime law enforcement efforts for regional stability to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

He also noted the PCG’s plan to host the next Commanders’ Forum in 2025.