US holds coast watch exercises in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The United States Department of Defense – Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) recently conducted a National Coast Watch System (NCWS) Operational Planning Table Top Exercise in Manila.

The event was held to help NCWS agencies improve the Philippines’ capability in maritime domain awareness and weapons of mass destruction proliferation prevention.

President Aquino issued Executive Order 57 in September 2011 establishing the NCWS. It seeks to enhance inter-agency coordination on maritime issues. 

The DRTA will continue assisting the Philippines in the development of a systematic approach to multi-agency fusion center operations, the establishment of the NCWS, as well as training in maritime domain awareness.