Chapter 28: The Philippine Armed Forces Part 3

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is a maritime agency responsible for safeguarding and enforcing maritime laws, ensuring maritime safety, search and rescue operations, environmental protection, and maritime security within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines. The PCG plays a vital role in maritime law enforcement, disaster response, and maintaining the integrity of the Philippines' maritime interests.

The Philippine Coast Guard's command structure includes the following key positions:

Commandant: The highest-ranking officer in the Philippine Coast Guard, responsible for overall leadership, management, and strategic planning.

Vice Commandant: Assists the Commandant and may assume command in the absence of the Commandant.

Deputy Commandant for Administration: Manages administrative and support functions, including personnel, logistics, and finance.

Deputy Commandant for Operations: Oversees operational units, maritime law enforcement, and search and rescue activities.

Deputy Commandant for Capability Development: Focuses on acquiring and developing the capabilities needed for effective maritime operations.

Deputy Commandant for Marine Environmental Protection: Oversees efforts related to environmental protection, marine conservation, and pollution response.

Area Commanders: Responsible for specific geographic areas and their maritime security, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.

District Commanders: Manage Coast Guard districts, which are subdivisions of the area commands, and oversee operations within their designated areas.

Station Commanders: Lead individual Coast Guard stations responsible for local maritime security, law enforcement, and search and rescue activities.

Support and Staff Officers: These officers serve in various specialized roles, such as logistics, intelligence, legal affairs, and public affairs.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is tasked with a range of missions aimed at ensuring maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and law enforcement within the Philippines' maritime jurisdiction. Here are the key missions of the Philippine Coast Guard:

Maritime Law Enforcement: Enforcing maritime laws and regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards, prevent illegal activities at sea, and maintain order within the maritime domain.

Search and Rescue: Conducting search and rescue operations to save lives and property during maritime emergencies, accidents, and disasters.

Maritime Safety: Promoting safe maritime practices by inspecting vessels, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and conducting maritime safety awareness campaigns.

Environmental Protection: Taking measures to protect marine ecosystems, prevent pollution, and respond to environmental incidents to ensure sustainable maritime resources.

Maritime Security: Collaborating with other agencies to safeguard maritime borders, counter smuggling and human trafficking, and prevent maritime terrorism.

Aids to Navigation: Maintaining navigational aids such as lighthouses, buoys, and markers to ensure safe navigation for vessels.

Safeguarding Maritime Interests: Protecting Philippine maritime interests, including fisheries and marine resources, and preventing encroachments on the country's maritime domain.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response: Providing assistance and relief during natural disasters, maritime accidents, and humanitarian crises.

Law Enforcement at Sea: Conducting patrols and inspections to prevent illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and other unlawful activities in Philippine waters.

Vessel and Port Security: Enhancing security measures at ports and aboard vessels to prevent threats to maritime trade and transport.

Capacity Building and Training: Developing the skills and capabilities of Coast Guard personnel to effectively carry out their missions.

International Cooperation: Collaborating with neighbouring countries and international partners to enhance maritime security and address transnational maritime challenges.

The Philippine Coast Guard is composed of the Regular Coast Guard and Ruthenian Coast Guard Reserve. The Philippine Coast Guard is organized into the following commands:

National Capital Region-Central Luzon (NCR-CL) Area Command

Southern Tagalog (ST) Area Command

Bicol (BC) Area Command

Western Visayas (WV) Area Command

Eastern Visayas (EV) Area Command

Southwestern Mindanao (SWM) Area Command

Southeastern Mindanao (SEM) Area Command

Palawan (PW) Area Command

Western Mindanao (WM) Area Command

"The recently established departments will be overseen by the most senior military officers," Minister of War and Defense Diego stated, his gaze shifting towards the three seasoned officials of the Philippine Military. "One of the primary reasons you four have been summoned is due to His Majesty's belief that you are well-suited for leadership roles within these four divisions. This choice is based on your extensive expertise, years of experience, and unwavering loyalty to the country."

Representing the army was General Ramirez, the naval aspect was represented by Admiral Hernandez, and the airforce was represented by General Mendoza. The Coast Guard was represented by General Vergara.

After the Minister's extensive explanation, one of them took the initiative to break the ice.

"Your Majesty," Ramirez raised his hand.

"Yes, General Ramirez. Do you have any concerns?" Alfonso inquired.

"I do, Your Majesty. While the document outlines the structure, I find it difficult to grasp how these forces will function seamlessly. Let's consider the navy, for instance, under Admiral Hernandez. What exactly constitutes a carrier strike group? And in the Air Force, there are mentions of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, strategic bombers, rapid global mobility... I apologize if my tone sounds critical, Your Majesty, but I'm struggling to comprehend the essence of your vision."

Alfonso had anticipated such inquiries. After all, this restructuring of the Philippine Armed Forces incorporated advanced concepts not yet familiar in this world. However, this was precisely his intention. To propel the Armed Forces into modernization. The introduction of advanced warfare mechanisms aimed to accomplish specific objectives, which they would soon come to understand.

In essence, the restructuring of the Army merely provided a glimpse of what the Philippine Armed Forces were poised to become in the future.

"I will address each of your questions, as I understand the confusion," Alfonso assured. "Shall we begin?"

And thus commenced an extensive session during which Alfonso painstakingly addressed their queries for the next three hours. He clarified and expounded upon the novel elements introduced to the Armed Forces, ensuring their thorough understanding of the transformative changes being implemented.

"Is there anything else you'd like to inquire about? Any further questions?" Alfonso's gaze shifted toward the quartet of senior military officials.

All four of them shook their heads in unison. Finally! They had grasped the concept. After enduring three arduous hours of repetition and elucidation, Alfonso could at last proceed to the subsequent item on the agenda: the military procurement program.

"Let us now move on to the following point on our agenda," Alfonso announced, giving a subtle nod to Alejandro, who stood at his side ready to provide the senior officials with a distinct set of documents.

With a confirming nod, Alejandro unfastened the luggage and revealed an extensive stack of papers. Carefully, he lifted a bundle and handed one to the minister. The document then circulated among the officials, making its way from the minister to the admiral, and so forth, until a total of six files rested in front of Alfonso.

"To compete effectively with our counterparts, we must modernize our nation. I have undertaken this through a series of legislation and reforms. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding our nation's interests during this transformative period, I've concluded that a modernized military is equally imperative. With the reorganization phase completed, let's delve into the subject of the new service rifle," Alfonso continued.

Every individual in the room, except Chief of the General Staff Lorenzo dela Cruz, leaned forward eagerly, awaiting Alfonso's forthcoming statement. This was precisely what they were awaiting – a fresh tool to augment their capabilities. They had been privy to the knowledge that the army was evaluating a novel firearm design to supplant the Mosin Nagant. This topic now took center stage, and their intrigue was palpable as they anticipated Alfonso's next words.