DOJ prosecutors conduct capacity building trainings for the Philippine Coast Guard　

On July 2-4, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ), through the National Prosecution Service Special Projects Division (NPS-SPD), conducted the second run of the specialized capacity building training for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), entitled: "Strengthening Maritime Law Enforcement: DOJ Prosecutors' Capacity Building Training for the Philippine Coast Guard."  

Around 26 PCG personnel composed of Station Commanders from the PCG District Command offices nationwide, with four (4) counterpart prosecutors, attended the training. 

The training focused on equipping the Philippine Coast Guard with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively perform their expanded maritime law enforcement mandate, with the overall objective of ensuring the improved performance in the investigation of crimes. 

Training modules consist of discussions on the Philippine Criminal Justice System, Guiding Principles and Ethical Standards for Law Enforcement Agents, DOJ investigative procedures and the new paradigm (D.C. 20, D.C. 28, D.C. 015), Emerging Crimes (elements and evidence), Investigative Tools and Techniques and Trial Preparation. 

The training culminated with a practice court activity wherein participants simulate being actual witnesses testifying in court.
This specialized training crafted by the NPS-SPD was conducted under the auspices of the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the Office of the Prosecutor General (OPG) and PCG in 2024. The said MOA provided a platform for exploring various measures wherein the OPG, through the SPD and DOJ Task Force on Environmental Crimes, and the PCG can achieve their mutual objectives within their respective mandates and under the directives of DC20.

The Opening Ceremonies was attended by Commodore Oliver S Tanseco, Commander, Coast Guard Investigation and Detection Management Service, with a recorded message from Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres. The Closing Ceremonies was graced by RADM Hostillo Arturo E Cornelio, PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration, and Deputy State Prosecutor Margaret V. Castillo-Padilla.