On May 18, 2022, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) marked a significant achievement by installing five 30-foot navigational buoys featuring the Philippine flag in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). These buoys were positioned around four critical islands: Lawak Island, Likas Island, Parola Island, and Pag-asa Island. The installation ceremony was led by PCG Commandant, Admiral Artemio M. Abu, emphasized the importance of these navigational markers, describing them as “symbols of coastal state administration” that will aid maritime navigation and enhance safety for sailors navigating the often-treacherous WPS waters. The buoys were installed by a fleet of five Coast Guard vessels—the BRP Corregidor (AE-891), BRP Bojeador (AE-46), BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), BRP Capones (MRRV-4404), and Tug Boat Habagat (TB- 271)—during operations conducted from 12 to 14 May 2022.
This initiative is a reflection of the PCG’s broader mandate, which encompasses various functions, including maritime safety, law enforcement, and environmental protection. The newly installed buoys serve as vital navigational aids, providing guidance for sailors traversing these treacherous waters, especially at night when the buoys emit flashing lights. This enhancement of navigational safety aligns with the PCG’s role in preventing maritime accidents and ensuring the safety of life at sea.
According to Admiral Abu, these buoys also signify the establishment of special protected zones where resource-extractive activities like mining and oil exploration are prohibited, aimed at preserving the WPS’s rich natural resources. This aspect of the installation underscores the PCG’s commitment to environmental protection as part of its mandate.
The successful deployment of the buoys was facilitated by a collaborative effort involving various PCG units, including notable vessels such as BRP Corregidor, BRP Bojeador, and others. This demonstrates the PCG’s capability to coordinate complex operations across multiple units, a critical function in maintaining sovereignty and presence in the region. During his assessment visit to Pag-asa Island, Admiral Abu noted the peaceful coexistence of Filipino fishing bancas alongside foreign vessels, including those from Vietnam and China. He highlighted how respect was maintained during this operation, reinforcing the PCG’s role in enforcing maritime laws and upholding the Philippines’ territorial rights.
Looking to the future, Admiral Abu announced plans for the installation of additional navigational buoys in other parts of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), particularly in WPS and Benham Rise. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance maritime safety and solidify the PCG’s presence in critical areas. The installation of these navigational buoys not only emphasizes the PCG’s vital functions in maritime safety and environmental protection but also symbolizes national pride and sovereignty in the ever-evolving maritime landscape of the West Philippine Sea.