MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard will be deploying 20 drones from the Australian government during the upcoming Holy Week for practice on surveillance.

“They're undergoing training first. So, it could be part of their training activities,” Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant, said Tuesday. 

The drones will be deployed in high-density areas, where many people are expected to be.

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The P34-million-worth donation of 20 drones and operations training from the Australian government were turned over and showcased in Mariveles, Bataan that day.

This will bolster the PCG’s strategic maritime domain awareness capabilities and assist the PCG to meet operational demands, Gavan said.

The drones can be used for search and rescue, marine environmental protection during oil spills, and in the Coast Guard’s surveillance operations.

"Nagtayo tayo ng Unmanned Systems Squadron sa ating Aviation Command at yung mga drones na 'yan gagamitin natin sa lahat ng functions ng Coast Guard,” Gavan said.

(We have activated an Unmanned Systems Squadron under our Aviation Command and those drones can be used for all functions of the Coast Guard)

He said the military grade drones will be a big help in the mission areas of the PCG, which is tasked with maritime law enforcement.

Australia and the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024 to strengthen their civil maritime cooperation.

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"Australia is committed to working with our partners to enhance maritime security, uphold international law, and manage marine resources, which are so important to all of us,” said Australian Ambassador HK Yu.

"And we are committed to promoting our shared vision for an open, resilient and prosperous region where international law is respected and upheld."