The Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Justice conclude a three-day legal training to strengthen maritime law enforcement in Tagaytay City on Friday (July 4, 2025). The training aims to enhance the PCG’s legal and prosecutorial readiness in addressing maritime law enforcement challenges. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have completed a three-day intensive training designed to sharpen the country’s legal response to maritime law enforcement challenges.
Held in Tagaytay City, the training was led by the DOJ’s National Prosecution Service – Special Projects Division and brought together Coast Guard personnel to enhance legal literacy, enforcement ethics, and prosecutorial coordination.
According to a statement from the PCG, the capacity-building program tackled a wide range of topics, including justice sector coordination, emerging maritime crimes, proper handling of evidence, investigative protocols, and courtroom strategies. Participants also engaged in moot court simulations to apply what they learned in practical scenarios.
The PCG highlighted that the training not only promotes institutional synergy but also ensures that frontline maritime operations are carried out in accordance with legal standards — a move aimed at reinforcing justice throughout the country’s territorial waters.
Rear Admiral Hostillo Arturo Cornelio, the PCG’s Deputy Commandant for Administration, stressed the vital role of legal awareness in field operations, thanking the DOJ for supporting the Coast Guard’s modernization through legal training.
Deputy State Prosecutor Margaret Castillo-Padilla echoed the DOJ’s commitment to uphold legal integrity from apprehension to prosecution, emphasizing the need for strong inter-agency collaboration.
This training initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the PCG to boost the capabilities of its station commanders nationwide.
Earlier this year, Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan formalized their partnership through a memorandum of understanding signed on February 20. The agreement allows the DOJ Special Projects Division and the Task Force on Environmental Crimes to take the lead in upskilling PCG investigators in handling maritime and environmental offenses.