Mr Vijay Chafekar met with Ambassador Medardo Macaraig to explore deeper maritime cooperation between ReCAAP-ISC and the Philippines.
SINGAPORE 鈥 The new Executive Director of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia 鈥 Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP-ISC), Mr Vijay Chafekar, made an introductory call on Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig, at the Philippine Embassy on 2 July 2025.
During the meeting, Mr Chafekar expressed his intention to strengthen existing collaboration between ReCAAP-ISC, headquartered in Singapore, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Ambassador Macaraig welcomed the visit, conveyed his confidence in Mr Chafekar鈥檚 leadership, and expressed hope that the strong partnership would continue to flourish under his term.
The two sides acknowledged the Philippines鈥 vital role in regional maritime security, particularly in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, where PCG efforts have helped lower the threat level of crew abductions from 鈥淢oderate Low鈥 to 鈥淟ow.鈥 They also discussed the Philippines鈥 leadership in securing the 2024 UN Human Rights Council resolution on the rights of seafarers.
Mr Chafekar also recognised the Philippines as a founding Contracting Party of ReCAAP and praised its active engagement, including the recent re-election of Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant, as Chairperson of the ReCAAP Governing Council for the 2025鈥2028 term.
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