Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary

Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary
Seal of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary
Founded	February 9, 1972;53 years ago (1972-02-09)
Country	Philippines
Branch	Philippine Coast Guard
Type	Volunteer uniformed auxiliary service
Role	Search and rescue Disaster relief
Size	5,000 volunteers
Commanders
Commandant of the Coast Guard	Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan

The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) is a volunteer civilian organization whic is under the direct control and supervision of the commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard.

History

The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) was established on February 9, 1972. On that date during a gathering at the Philippine Navy Officers' Club commemorating the Philippine Navy Day, the Coast Guard Commandant announced the intention of the Navy Flag Officer-in-Command to form a civilian volunteer unit to assist the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The attendants of the gathering supported the plan including the members of the Manila Yacht Club leading to the formation of what was later known as the PCGA. ^[1]

The current iteration of the PCGA is institutionalized by Republic Act No. 9993 or the PCG Law of 2009. ^[1]

Role and function

Rescue boat and personel of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary at the 2013 Paraw Regatta, Villa Beach, Villa de Arevalo, Iloilo City

The PCGA assists the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) but is not directly part of the PCG. This includes assistance in relief and search and rescue operations. ^[2]

Membership

PCGA members are uniformed volunteers. However they are not commissioned officers or enlisted personnel of the PCG and therefore had distinct uniforms and insignia from the regular coast guard. Since the PCGA often is involved in search and rescue operations, its members include boat and shipping company owners. Previously the PCGA was open to foreign citizens. As of 2018, there where no perceived security threat at the time. However the PCGA made its vetting process stricter in 2025. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

Notable members

• Gerard Anderson, actor ^[6]
• Liza Araneta Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines and wife of President Bongbong Marcos ^[7]
• Diether Ocampo, actor ^[8]

Since Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan's assumption as PCG commandant in 2023, PCGA members are required to secure national clearances. In 2024, there are about 5,000 PCGA members. ^[9]

References

1. Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Regulations Manual (PDF) (2012 ed.). Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
2. "Malacañang, tiniyak na walang banta mula sa Chinese na nakapasok Coast Guard Auxiliary" [Malacañang, made sure that there is no threat from the Chinese who have inflitrated the Coast Guard Auxiliary]. RMN Networks (in Filipino). August 29, 2025. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
3. "PCG cites foreign agents' 'creeping intrusion' in PH infra". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 27, 2025. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
4. Bacelonia, Wilnard (August 27, 2025). "PCG tightens vetting process for auxiliary members". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
5. Crisostomo, Sheila (March 21, 2024). "36 Chinese served in PCG auxiliary, House told". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
6. Canlas, Jomar (September 12, 2021). "Gerald Anderson, 3 PCG officers promoted". The Manila Times. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
7. Macairan, Evelyn (July 17, 2024). "Liza Marcos joins PCG Auxiliary". The Philippine Star. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
8. "Why Diether Ocampo is not inviting other celebs to join PH Coast Guard Auxiliary". ABS-CBN News. September 19, 2019. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
9. Aurelio, Julie; Subingsubing, Krixia (March 22, 2024). "Chinese in PCG reserve force 'not spies, hackers'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 31, 2025.