PCG to receive 12 ships from Japan — PM Kishida

The Philippine Coast Guard's maritime security capability is getting an additional boost as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday said 12 ships will be given by the Japanese government to the country.

During his address at the joint special session of the Senate and House of Representatives, Kishida said Japan will send the additional maritime assets as part of the efforts to improve the country's coast guard.

"The last pillar of the New FOIP (free and open Indo-Pacific) Plan is extending efforts for security and safe use of the sea to the air. Japan has hitherto provided 12 ships to the Coast Guard to play a part in improving the Philippines' maritime security capability," the Japanese prime minister said.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista welcomed the announcement of Kishida, saying the Department of Transportation (DOTr) continues its initiatives to modernize the PCG.

Bautista recently ordered new PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan to expedite the agency's modernization to strengthen cost guard personnel amidst challenges in protecting the Philippine waters.

On the last day of his two-day visit, the Japanese prime minister visited the PCG headquarters in Manila.

With Bautista, PM Kishida boarded BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the two 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRV) of the PCG constructed in Japan.

Five of the 12 ships to be provided to the Philippines are similar to MRRV and will be funded under official development assistance (ODA) from Japan, according to the PCG.