PCG to acquire 5 big ships from Japan

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will buy five 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) from Japan to beef up its maritime domain awareness capabilities.

Rear Adm. Armando Balilo, PCG spokesperson, said the Philippines and Japan will conduct a note signing for the acquisition of the ships on Friday, May 17.

“We expect the arrival of the five 97-meter MRRVs to expand the Coast Guard Fleet around 2027 to 2028,” Balilo shared.

The PCG did not disclose the amount of the acquisition project but the contract signing will ensue following the note signing.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya paid a courtesy call on PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Wednesday, May 15, to assured him that Tokyo will support the agency’s capability development, specifically through the acquisition of additional capital ships.

To date, the PCG has two 97-meter MRRVs, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), whoch are the biggest in the current fleet of the agency.

Both ships are active in conducting maritime security and safety operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) safely arrived in Port Area, Manila, after participating in the recently concluded Balikatan Exercise 2024 between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Armed Forces.

“We welcome offers from various countries and Japan has been providing us with the most opportunities. We are very grateful for their cooperation to make sure the West Philippine Sea remains peaceful, stable, and prosperous for our respective people,” Gavan said. — Martin Sadongdong