The BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and its crew have arrived in Kagoshima, Japan on June 12, 2025, to take part in the second trilateral maritime exercise involving the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), United States Coast Guard (USCG), and Japan Coast Guard (JCG).

According to the PCG, the 97-meter multi-role response vessel docked at Kagoshima Port on June 12, coinciding with the celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day.

Upon their arrival, the BRP Teresa Magbanua and its 123-member crew received a warm welcome from officials of the JCG. The exercise is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 16, and will run until Friday, June 20.

Key Highlights of the Exercise

One of the main features of the exercise is a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) to be conducted in the waters near Kinko Bay, Kagoshima. This drill aims to improve coordination and interoperability among the participating maritime agencies. It will include simulated emergency scenarios such as rescuing passengers from a capsized vessel and responding to a maritime incident.

In addition to the SAREX, the three coast guard forces will participate in communication drills, maneuvering exercises, photo operations, maritime law enforcement training, and passing drills.

Importance of the Exercise

The PCG stated that this engagement is in line with President Marcos Jr.'s directive to enhance regional maritime cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations with coast guard counterparts. It also supports mutual commitments to a rules-based international maritime order and collective capacity-building to promote regional peace and stability.

This marks the second trilateral exercise involving the PCG, USCG, and JCG. The first exercise took place in Mariveles, Bataan in June 2023, making this year's event the first to be held in Japan.