MANILA, June 4 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday held the official send-off ceremony for BRP Gabriela Silang and BRP Miguel Malvar to join the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2026.

In a media interview during the event, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the PCG's participation in the exercise this year is a milestone, as the PCG was previously limited to an observer role.

"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has arrived-we are now able, we are now capable of participating in such an exercise alongside our peers and partners," Gavan said.

In particular, he said the PCG has reached the minimum level of fleet readiness that allowed it to be an active player in the exercise.

"With the modernization of the PCG-w...