MANILA, April 8 -- The Australian government donated PHP34 million worth of drones and operator training to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to boost strategic maritime domain awareness capabilities and assist in other operations.

In a handover ceremony in Mariveles, Bataan Tuesday, 20 aerial drones were turned over by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu to PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

"This support further boosts our ability to pursue more precisely, appropriately and sustainably our complex rights and obligations from being both a maritime and archipelagic country. This also greatly assists the PCG to further advance its fundamental role as a responsible protector of rules to help keep the peace and prosperity f...