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PCG commends BRP Suluan crew for bravery in WPS incident

Philippine News Agency

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
August 12, 2025, 6:12 pm

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.

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.

"You have proven that indeed we are the most durable point man in keeping the peace at sea," Gavan said.

He also commended PCG personnel for their "bravery, selfless dedication, and sacrifices" in upholding safety and security within the Philippine territory.

"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," he 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, said the collision between CCG vessel 3104 and PLA Navy ship 164 happened while the two Chinese ships were chasing BRP Suluan at high speed. (PNA)