PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

23 October 2026, CANBERRA - Ambassador Antonio Morales welcomed Commander RJ Ganade and fellow Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officers Joshua Quinicot, Mikee Planteras and Aljade de Laza to the Philippine Embassy for a courtesy call, accompanied by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers Ms. Courtney Ellis and Ms. Fiona Douglas.

The PCG officers participated in a six-week training program under Australia's Civil Maritime Advancement through Partnerships and Support (C-MAPS) initiative, alongside maritime personnel from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. C-MAPS succeeds the Civil Maritime Security Program (CMSP), with this cohort marking the fourth group of PCG officers to participate since the inaugural implementation in 2023.

The PCG officials participated in operational command and leadership courses, scenario-based exercises, Law of the Sea sessions and maritime training, including vessel searches, in Canberra and Sydney.

During the meeting, Ambassador Morales underscored the importance of continued capacity-building and professional exchanges in strengthening capability to address evolving maritime security challenges. The discussions also provided an opportunity to exchange views on maritime law enforcement, maritime domain awareness, marine environmental protection, and regional maritime cooperation.

Ambassador Morales highlighted the longstanding maritime partnership between the Philippines and Australia, anchored on their shared commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He cited several important milestones in bilateral cooperation, including the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Enhanced Maritime Cooperation, the Philippine Navy's first participation in Exercise Kakadu in 2026, and the convening of the 6th Philippines-Australia Maritime Dialogue.

The Ambassador likewise expressed appreciation for Australia's assistance in providing drones and related training to the PCG, which will enhance maritime surveillance and monitoring capabilities while improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for costly vessel deployments.

The Philippines and Australia continue to strengthen their maritime partnership through bilateral initiatives such as C-MAPS, joint maritime activities, defence and security cooperation and institutional exchanges. As maritime nations, both countries are committed to working together to promote maritime security, respect for international law, and peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

#PHAU80YEARS🇵🇭🇦🇺