Coast Guard to acquire 40 Philippines made vessels

Marcos honors PCG teams in encounters with China

MANILA, Philippines — The government is acquiring 40 patrol boats to enhance the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s capability to defend the country’s maritime territory, President Marcos announced yesterday.

During the PCG’s 122nd anniversary in Manila, Marcos said the vessels are being built in Cebu and are intended to help the PCG perform its functions.

“We will eventually have 40 patrol boats and that will give us an increased capability. This is ongoing,” the President said.

“We can see that our capability to defend our maritime (domain), the sovereign territory of the Philippines, is increasing,” he added.

The acquisition of the 15-meter patrol boats is in line with the administration’s effort to upgrade the equipment and strengthen the capabilities of the PCG.

Marcos did not say how much would be spent to acquire the vessels.

“We are continuing with the upgrading of the equipment, the training and the capabilities of all our people, especially the coast guard, not only because they are in the frontline (of) the problems that we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, but also because of the very important function that they play when it comes to search and rescue, maritime incidents, when it comes disaster assistance,” he said.

“The Philippines is lucky as we have many friends around the world and many of our friends from nearby countries and even from distant ones are helping us improve and strengthen our coast guard,” the President added.

Marcos thanked the PCG for providing steadfast service and dedication to duty during times of calamity, upholding the Philippines’ maritime security and promoting its maritime rights, fighting against the entry of smuggled goods, protecting the marine environment and securing the safety of fisherfolk as they pursue their means of livelihood.

“Be assured that this administration firmly stands with you in your plans and efforts to improve, expand and modernize the capabilities and services so that you may better contribute to the security and welfare of our people and of the nation,” the Chief Executive said.

Feted

As part of the celebration of the PCG’s 122nd anniversary, Marcos honored coast guard personnel who rendered exceptional performance, including those who upheld the country’s rights over the West Philippine Sea.

The coast guard distinguished service medal and ribbon were awarded to Commodore Jay Tarriela for demonstrating “distinguished and commendable competency, courage and patriotism” as the adviser to the commandant on maritime security affairs and as PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea.

The distinguished coast guard cross medal and ribbon were awarded to Petty Officer 3 Jason Nicol and Seaman First Joseph Rivera, who cut the rope barriers placed by the Chinese coast guard at the southeast entrance of Scarborough or Panatag Shoal.

The same award was given to the BRP Malapascua “for meritorious courage, bravery and patriotism in the face of danger that resulted in the success of coast guard operations in the West Philippine Sea.

The ship was involved in the resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal.

BRP Malabrigo, which was hit by a Chinese coast guard water cannon, also received the award.

Also feted were the PCG District Palawan headed by its commander Captain Dennis Labay; coast guard stations Manila, Malacañang and Sorsogon; PCG substation Tanza, Petty Officer 1 Ronald Empeñado, non-uniformed personnel Gloria Ricafrente and lighthouse keeper Antonio Beruela.

“Despite the dangers of operating in the West Philippine Sea, the coast guard continues to fulfill its mission of ensuring that we do not yield even a square inch our territory to any foreign power,” PCG chief Artemio Abu said. — Evelyn Macairan