Japan commits 5 vessels for PH coast guard

May 3 ------ The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Japan has committed providing five 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) to expand its fleet. “Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced Japan’s commitment to providing five more 97-meter MRRVs to expand the Coast Guard’s fleet,” the PCG said in a statement. 

According to the PCG, the first vessel is expected to arrive in the Philippines in 2027. PCG chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the additional vessels will improve the coast guard’s performance of its mandated functions in the country’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ). On Wednesday, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru visited the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila to advance maritime cooperation and diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

Ishiba toured and observed an arresting technique demonstration between the PCG and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) on board BRP Teresa Magbanua. On Tuesday, Ishiba also paid a courtesy call on his counterpart, Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Shigeru and Marcos reflected on the significance of the bilateral talks between the Philippines and Japan centered on strengthening defense and security cooperation, enhancing economic partnerships, and continuing efforts to support development initiatives. 

Source: gmanetwork.com