The guardians of peace amid vast seas for joyous Tet celebrations
VOV.VN - As the mainland bustles with the joyous atmosphere of the traditional Lunar New Year holiday (Tet), officers of the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) tirelessly carry out their duty as the silent protectors of national sovereignty, ensuring peace for the mainland to fully enjoy the New Year celebrations.
Lieut. Gen. Bui Quoc Oai, political commissar of the VCG, says to fulfill their mission during the Lunar New Year 2025, the VCG has deployed 36 ships and boats with nearly 1,000 officers and soldiers to perform their duty at sea. They stand ready to respond to any situation without being caught off guard.
“All officers and soldiers of the force strictly adhere to the directives and plans regarding combat readiness and Tet organization. They understand that this is not only a responsibility but also a great honour and pride to guard the nation’s seas and islands, to ensure the people will celebrate Tet peacefully,” says Lieut. Gen. Oai.
In light of the complex developments of crimes and violations at sea before, during, and after the Tet 2025 holiday, he shares that the VCG has rigorously implemented Directive 85 from the Minister of Defense, translating it into specific instructions and plans for a high-intensity campaign to combat crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods during the Tet season.
The force has conducted thorough assessments of assigned sea areas and developed operational plans, including setting up criminal cases for investigation. Resources and personnel have been strategically deployed to dismantle criminal networks, with a focus on smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods in a manner.
It has strengthened cooperation with relevant agencies, including the border guard, police, and customs, for information sharing and joint operations. In addition, efforts have been made to raise public awareness through education on laws and regulations, encouraging citizens not to harbor or abet offenders.
The VCG has prioritized internal integrity by thoroughly reviewing the political quality of officers and personnel involved in law enforcement. Strict measures have been taken to prevent any complicity or negligence in dealing with crimes and violations.
Thanks to the strong resolve and effective implementation, the political commissar reveals, the VCG has handled 40 drug-related cases involving 40 offenders, and 215 cases involving 218 violating vessels during this peak period.
According to the officer, the unique operational nature of the VCG is closely tied to fishermen, relying on their support to fulfill its mission through information exchanges. Such collaboration strengthens the defense of the nation’s sovereignty over its seas and islands, which takes on even greater significance during the early days of the Lunar New Year.
Recognizing this importance, the VCG has directed its units to proactively engage with fishermen to provide them with confidence and support for venturing further offshore. This effort strengthens connections between the military and the people so as to reinforce trust and cooperation.
The VCG has undertaken numerous practical activities as part of the “Coast Guard Accompanies Fishermen” programme, by visiting, gifting, and extending Tet wishes to fishermen actively working at sea. During recent inspections to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the VCG organized visits and provided Tet gifts to fishing vessels operating in the southwestern seas, offering warmth and encouragement to fishermen.
VCG units are always prepared to conduct search and rescue missions, assist and protect fishermen in dangerous situations, and provide essential supplies and technical aid to address vessel issues.
“As the specialized force entrusted with protecting national security and maintaining order at sea, the VCG aspires to a future where people worldwide live in peace, prosperity, and happiness,” states Lieut. Gen. Oai.
“It emphasizes the importance of preserving a peaceful and stable environment in the East Sea to help Vietnam accelerate and achieve the ambitious goals set forth by the 13th National Party Congress, paving the way for a new era of national growth and pride.”
He affirms that the VCG will always fulfill its mission to protect sovereignty, enforce maritime laws, and maintain a peaceful and stable environment. This enables fishermen to confidently venture offshore, contribute to economic development, and ensure the prosperity of their homeland.
