The Commandant of the Philippines Coast Guard, Admiral Danilo A Abinoja, visited Marine Region on March 13 as part of a fact-finding tour regarding Hong Kong's overall approach to maritime law enforcement and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

After paying a courtesy call on Marine Regional Commander Chang Mo-see, Admiral Abinoja was given a presentation on the roles and functions of Marine Region and taken on a tour of relevant facilities and resources, including viewing a demonstration of high-speed interception tactics by the Small Boat Division.

Admiral Abinoja heads the Philippines Coast Guard, which currently has a manpower establishment of 4000, but is projected to expand to over 20,000 in the long-term. The Admiral was full of praise for the professionalism and high quality resources of Marine Region. The visit was of particular value in terms of comparing and benchmarking general policy and best practices, and developing warm and close ties among regional maritime law enforcement agencies, he said.

The Philippines will host the next annual meeting of the Asian Heads of Coast Guard Agencies in October this year, and Ms Chang is expected to attend this event.

Marine Regional Commander Chang Mo-see exchanges souvenirs with Philippines Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Danilo Abinoja