Singapore, 5 July 2025 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig warmly welcomed Mr. Vijay Chafekar, the new  Executive Director (ED) of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia – Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP-ISC), during the latter’s introductory call at the Embassy on 2 July 2025.

ED Chafekar met with the Ambassador to introduce himself and to discuss avenues for strengthening cooperation between the ISC, which is based in Singapore,  and the Philippines, particularly through the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

During the call,  Ambassador Macaraig expressed confidence in Mr. Chafekar’s leadership as the seventh Executive Director of the Centre and shared optimism that his term would build upon the robust partnership established by his predecessors. Both sides acknowledged the Philippines’ strategic role in ensuring security in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, citing the PCG’s success in reducing the threat level of crew abductions in the area from “Moderate Low” to “Low.” 

The discussion also highlighted the Philippines’ role in leading the adoption in 2024 of the first-ever UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution on the human rights of seafarers.

ED Chafekar also acknowledged the Philippines’ active and longstanding commitment to regional maritime security, noting its status as a founding Contracting Party and the re-election of Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant, as the Chairperson of the ReCAAP Governing Council for the term 2025-2028. 

The ReCAAP is the first regional government-to-government agreement to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. It fulfils its mission through the Information Sharing Centre, which engages the Contracting Parties, shipping industry and international partners to strengthen efforts to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships. (END)