THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is looking at acquiring five more big ships that are made in Japan like the 97-meter multi-role response vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702).
The possibility of this acquisition happening in the future was part of the discussion between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Commandant Admiral Shohei Ishii and other government officials in a courtesy visit by the Japanese premier at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Saturday, 4 November 2023.
Also present in the discussion were Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, and PCG Commandant CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
The PCG chief said the additional ships will help greatly in broadening the PCG’s operations, including regular patrolling of the West Philippine Sea, conduct of search and rescue (SAR) missions, and cooperation in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts of the government.
During the courtesy visit, the officials also discussed the regular holding of a Trilateral Maritime Exercise between the PCG, the JCG and the US Coast Guard in order to further strengthen cooperation and for the protection of peace in the region.
Admiral Gavan also extended his gratitude to the government of Japan, one of the countries who responded earliest to the Philippines’ call for assistance, particularly to the oil spill response operation in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
According to the PCG commandant, this is proof that the relationship between the Philippines and Japan is anchored in a deep and solid friendship.
(PHOTO CREDIT: PCG Facebook page)