PCG receives patrol boat from Japan to boost PH’s maritime security missions
A patrol boat that aims to aid the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in its anti-terrorism and anti-piracy missions was handed over by the Embassy of Japan to the Philippines.
In a simple ceremony Monday, the Embassy of Japan turned over the 15-meter patrol boat and an x-ray machine to the PCG.
The equipment, according to Vice
Admiral Joel Garcia, Coast Guard commandant, will further enhance the country’s maritime safety, security, and law enforcement, as well as marine environmental protection and maritime search and rescue.
He added that the 15-meter patrol boat is suitable for quick response operations and retrieval missions as it runs at 29 knots with a capacity of up to 14 passengers. It is also capable of going after terror
ists, intruders, and poachers within the Philippine territory.
The x-ray machine, on the other hand, is a compact and batteryoperated equipment suitable for inspection in high or narrow places. It is controlled using a remote with a distance of up to 20 meters and provides real-time inspection images.
Garcia said the donation of the patrol boat is part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s promise to President Duterte to improve the anti-piracy and anti-terrorism capability of the country.
Minister Masahiro Nakata of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan, also said that they are looking forward to boosting Japan’s strategic relations with the Philippines on evolving challenges in the future, specifically in protecting its territorial waters and marine resources.
“Our commitment to the Philippines is far from over. Rest assured that we will further support the operations of the PCG by providing high-quality assets and by instilling the latest maritime know-hows to its technical personnel,” Nakata said.
Garcia thanked the Embassy of Japan for granting the request of the Philippine government to strengthen its efforts to counter terrorism through the acquisition of maritime security assets.
“Our strong cooperation with Japan aids our efforts in preventing terror attacks, specifically kidnap for ransom within Philippine waters which not only enhances maritime security but also increases the number of economic undertakings in the region,” Garcia said during the turnover.
Last year, 10 rigid hull inflatable boats were turned over to the PCG, which were deployed in Western Mindanao and in critical tourist areas like Boracay, El Nido, and Bohol.