DAVAO CITY (PIA) – The successful conclusion of the Inter-Agency Maritime Capability Exercise (MARCAPEX) 2024 on November 23, 2024, in the waters off Brgy. Daliao, Toril, Davao City, signifies a significant step towards enhancing maritime security and inter-agency cooperation in the region.
The exercise, led by the Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao (PCG-SEM), brought together the Philippine Navy, Davao City Police Office, Davao City Central 911, and various national agencies. It involved a series of critical simulations, including search and rescue operations (SAREX), vessel boarding and seizure drills (VBSS), and maritime pollution response exercises (MARPOLEX).
These simulations tested and refined inter-agency coordination, operational readiness, and response capabilities, preparing participating agencies for real-world maritime challenges.
In his address, PCG-SEM District Commander Commodore Rejard Marfe emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing the complexities of maritime security. “Leaving no one behind and sharing the burden to achieve the common goal is the true spirit of cooperation,” he said, quoting Carlos P. Romulo.
Marfe acknowledged the region’s diverse challenges, including illegal activities, maritime accidents, and environmental threats, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts. He praised the participating personnel for their dedication, courage, and teamwork, describing them as the embodiment of the “Bayanihan spirit.”
The MARCAPEX 2024 demonstrates the commitment of agencies in Davao Region to working together to ensure maritime security and respond effectively to emerging threats, safeguarding the region’s waters and its people.
Senior members from the United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard commended the exercise, noting its significance in bolstering regional maritime security. “The maritime capabilities exercise conducted in Davao is a true testament to the professionalism and dedication of all units and agencies involved,” they said. “The vast maritime regions of the Philippines present unique challenges where multi-agency coordination is a must to ensure maritime security. This exercise has proven that the Davao Region is capable of responding to complex maritime issues in a quick and timely manner and is efficient in multi-agency coordination.”
Evaluators and agency heads lauded the coordination and execution of the exercise, highlighting significant improvements in communication and operational strategies. Commodore Marfe, while rating the performance 8 out of 10, acknowledged areas for further enhancement, particularly in communication and protocol standardization.
Captain Lawrence Roque, Commanding Officer of BRP Gabriela Silang, emphasized the importance of the exercise for strengthening inter-agency ties and mentioned future plans for promoting regional maritime cooperation. “We will have a goodwill port visit in Indonesia,” he said.
MARCAPEX 2024 underscored the critical role of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding the maritime domain. It reinforced Davao’s commitment to a Culture of Security, focusing on shared responsibility among agencies to protect coastal communities and marine resources. (RVC/REC/PIA11)
