Coast Guard activates Kalayaan auxiliary district

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) activated an auxiliary district yesterday in the Kalayaan Island Group to enable faster response, better sustainment of operations and closer coordination with the municipality of Kalayaan.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the establishment of the PCGA will promote preparedness and resiliency in a remote island community.

“The activation of the Auxiliary District here in Pag-asa means that the civilians of Kalayaan now stand shoulder to shoulder with your Coast Guard,” Gavan said.

Gavan emphasized that the PCGA in Kalayaan Island Group will become partners of the government in defending sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Members of the PCGA underwent training in basic life support and water search and rescue, the PCG said.

Gavan recognized PCG personnel who responded to the reported dynamite fishing near Pag-asa Island on Sunday despite Chinese obstruction.
The PCG installed a major command district in the Kalayaan Island Group on April 9 to advance the deployment of personnel and assets in the island while supporting residents’ needs.