PCG, Sweden discuss challenges in WPS
Philippine News Agency
By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
October 22, 2025, 6:03 pm
MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Sweden met on Wednesday to discuss the Philippines' challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the rest of its territorial waters, in particular on maritime threats and efforts to secure the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In a statement, the PCG said the visit is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s order for continuous collaboration and cooperation with foreign nations.
"The courtesy visit reflected the strong and enduring friendship between the Philippines and Sweden and marked another step forward in their mutual pursuit of enhanced maritime cooperation and regional stability," it said.
During the visit, the PCG welcomed and gave a comprehensive briefing on the situation in the WPS to Daniel Wolven, the Deputy Director General Department for Asia, the Pacific Region and Latin America of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, and other Swedish delegates.
The PCG also discussed current maritime threats, PCG patrol operations, and efforts to safeguard the country's EEZ.
For his part, Wolven acknowledged the challenges of the PCG in the WPS and commended the agency's transparency efforts.
He also noted the recent survey recognizing the PCG as the most reliable government for updates and reports on the WPS.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, was represented in the meeting by Deputy Commandant for Operations, Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez.
Ybañez thanked Wolven for Sweden's continued friendship with the Philippines, for advancing shared maritime interests, and for upholding the rules-based international order.
He also highlighted Sweden's continued support in providing opportunities for PCG officers to pursue postgraduate studies at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. (PNA)
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