PCG chief: Marcos OK'd acquisition of 5 97-meter boats from Japan

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan on Friday said President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. already approved the acquisition of five 97-meter boats from Japan.

''Actually, the President has already approved the acquisition of five 97-meter boats from [inaudible] ships from Japan. Once delivered, we will have around eight large ships,'' Gavan said at a Palace press briefing.

Gavan said Manila would start to receive it in 2027. The completion date is 2028, the PCG chief added.

Meanwhile, Gavan also mentioned the 40 units of fast patrol craft (FPC), which acquisition was recently approved by the National Economic and Development Authority.

He said some of these would be deployed in the West Philippine Sea. However, the first delivery will be in 2026 yet. Gavan said this would form part of the ''mix of capabilities'' that are deployed in the region.

''I have to clarify, itong 40 parating pa lang ito [the 40 FPCs have yet to arrive] and the first delivery will happen in 2026. But the existing fleet is involved – seven of our ships are engaged in relief operations,'' Gavan said.

The acquisition, valued at P25.8 billion and funded through official development assistance from the French government, includes 40 FPCs, 20 of which will be locally built, Integrated Logistics Support, and support equipment for Philippine Coast Guard bases.

''The project aligns with the government’s objective of enhancing maritime security by upgrading the capabilities of institutions such as the Philippine Coast Guard,'' NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in an earlier press statement.

''The new FPCs will help deter smuggling and illegal activities while ensuring the enforcement of maritime sovereignty in critical marine areas,” he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News