Incheon, Republic of Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul participated in the 14th Bilateral Meeting between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) held in Incheon on 26 November 2025. 

Philippine Ambassador-designate to the ROK Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez was represented by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, who joined the Philippine delegation led by Commodore Algier D. Ricafrente, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for International Affairs (CG-5), together with LTJG Pauline Duldulao of the PCG. Superintendent General Park Jae Hwa served as the Head of Delegation for the Korean Coast Guard. 

The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the PCG and KCG, with discussions focusing on maritime domain awareness, marine environmental protection, capacity-building initiatives, vessel transfer cooperation, and the development of a more structured framework for information sharing. The convening of this bilateral mechanism comes immediately after the successful 4th PH-ROK Maritime Cooperation Dialogue held on 21 November 2025, underscoring the value both countries place on sustained coordination between their maritime and law-enforcement agencies.

Ahead of the bilateral meeting, the Philippine delegation paid a courtesy call on Commissioner General Kim Yong-jin, head of the Korea Coast Guard. The meeting emphasized the Republic of Korea’s support for a rules-based international order, the shared commitment of both coast guards to ensuring maritime safety and stability, and ongoing cooperation to combat transnational crime. Commissioner General Kim also expressed his appreciation for the Philippines’ efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Korean nationals in the country. The Philippine Embassy reaffirmed the Philippines’ readiness to deepen maritime cooperation with the Republic of Korea. END