THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), through its Southern Tagalog forces, has reinforced its operational readiness and inter-agency coordination through a series of tactical exercises and disaster response drills conducted across Batangas this September.
From September 16 to 17, 2026, the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) joined local law enforcement, military, and emergency units in Lemery, Batangas, for the Inter-Agency Territorial Defense Operation Exercise.
Carrying the theme “One Province, One Response: Strengthening Joint Operational Readiness Through Unified Action,” the two-day exercise focused on enhancing communication and joint tactics for maritime, security, and disaster scenarios.
Participating units engaged in comprehensive simulations, including security deployment, coastal and river patrols, mass casualty management, urban search and rescue, mass evacuations, and tactical river crossings.
The drill featured a simulated shipboard fire that tested coordinated firefighting and suppression capabilities.
The PCG collaborated with the 16th Infantry Battalion, Lemery Municipal Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, the local disaster risk reduction management office, healthcare units, and the local Bantay Dagat
This joint defense exercise closely followed Coast Guard Station (CGS) Batangas’ active participation in the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on September 10, 2026.
Joined by the Coast Guard K9 Field Operating Unit, Marine Environmental Protection Emergency Response Group, CGS Sub-Station Batangas City, and the PNP Maritime Group, personnel practiced the fundamental “Duck, Cover, and Hold” protocol before transitioning into post-earthquake response simulations.
These included rapid evacuation, personnel accounting, situational assessments, and inter-unit coordination.
Through these combined initiatives, CGS Batangas emphasized that disaster preparedness is a collective responsibility where every second counts.
By continuously refining response mechanisms and strengthening partnerships with regional stakeholders, the PCG reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding coastal communities, saving lives, and delivering prompt assistance during maritime emergencies and natural calamities.
