The PCGA volunteer force

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has existed since the turn of the 20th century. From 1901 until after World War II, the PCG was under various departments of the national government including the Department of Commerce and Police, Bureau of Navigation, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Public Works. In 1967, Congress enacted Republic Act No. 5173 and placed the PCG under the Philippine Navy. In 2009, Congress enacted RA 9993 which amended RA 5173 and established the PCG as an armed and uniformed service attached to the Department of Transportation and Communication, or now known solely as the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Notwithstanding, Section 2 of RA 9993 provides that in times of war, as declared by Congress, the PCG then becomes attached to the Department of National Defense.

The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) represents a significant civilian uniformed organization under the direct control and supervision of the PCG commandant. Predicated on member volunteerism, the PCGA assists the Philippine Coast Guard in functional areas, including: (1) the promotion of safety of life and property at sea; (2) the preservation of the marine environment and its resources; (3) the conduct of maritime search and rescue operations; (4) the maintenance of aids to navigation, and; (5) other activities that enhance maritime community relations. Enhanced maritime community relations under the fifth functional area include civic activities, participation under the National Service Training Program, youth development, and activities that promote recreational safety. These said functional areas are particularly provided for in Section 11 of RA 9993.

With its own chain of command, the PCGA has an organizational structure parallel to the PCG. Today, the PCGA has nationwide operations spread among 13 auxiliary districts in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. There are almost 5,000 member volunteers who form part of the core auxiliary membership. Each auxiliary district is further subdivided into auxiliary squadrons, which are headed by officers designated by the PCG commandant.

The Manila Yacht Club (MYC), a historical landmark and considered one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in Southeast Asia, has produced active members of the PCGA. In fact, the MYC 101st PCGA Squadron remains the oldest active squadron of the PCGA in the country. On March 10, 1973, the MYC 101st PCGA Squadron was activated by then head of the PCG Commodore Hilario Ruiz, together with the regular members of the MYC including Commodore Richard L. Brown. In the said ceremony, held at the MYC, Commodore Brown was made the squadron commander of the first auxiliary Coast Guard Squadron. During that time, the MYC 101st PCGA Squadron was the only auxiliary squadron in the Philippines.

Ever since the squadron’s inception, the MYC 101st PCGA Squadron, then mainly composed of regular members of the Yacht Club, has been a reliable partner of the PCG. To date, the MYC 101st PCGA Squadron has consistently rendered assistance to the PCG in the functional areas mentioned. Members of the MYC 101st PCGA Squadron have lent the use of personally owned yachts and vessels in the conduct of search and rescue operations and maritime cleanup operations.

Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), coastal states have the obligation to ensure the protection of the marine environment and the promotion of maritime safety. Particularly, Article 194 of Unclos provides for the general obligation of all state parties to prevent, reduce, and control pollution of the marine environment. Certainly, the mandate of the PCGA strengthens the country’s compliance with international law and the nation’s maritime capabilities in the preservation and protection of the marine environment. Undoubtedly, the PCGA volunteer force remains an integral partner of the PCG in enforcing both domestic and international maritime laws.

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Marlon Iñigo T. Tronqued is a government lawyer and law professor. He currently serves as captain of the Manila Yacht Club 101st Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron.