Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday commended the crew of the BRP Suluan for their bravery and conduct during an incident where two Chinese ships collided with each other at the Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). BRP Suluan was deployed in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard the country’s maritime territory and ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen in the WPS.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a ceremony at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila, PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, awarded the Coast Guard Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to the crew and the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal to the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Jomark Angue. Gavan praised the crew’s role in maintaining peace at sea, recognizing their dedication and sacrifices in upholding safety within Philippine waters.

‘Bravo Zulu, everyone. There are lots of things to do, but always keep in mind that what you’ve done, you should always remain calm, you should always remain professional yet unyielding in the face of whoever they are,’ Gavan said.

The BRP Suluan’s crew and passengers consisted of 43 individuals, including members of the Coast Guard Medical Service (CGMED), Maritime Surveillance Team (MST2), Coast Guard Special Operations Force (CGSOF), Angels of the Sea from the Coast Guard Weapons, Communications, Electronics and Information System Command (CGWCEISC), media representatives from GMA Network, and personnel from the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service (CGPAS).

On Monday, BRP Suluan offered aid to a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel after the latter collided with a China People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ship in the WPS. PCG Spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela, reported that the collision between CCG vessel 3104 and PLA Navy ship 164 occurred while the two Chinese ships were in pursuit of BRP Suluan at high speed.