As the country strengthens its territorial defense initiatives, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) has announced the arrival of 19 newly acquired combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) equipped with outboard motors for use by the Force Reconnaissance Group (FRG).

The PMC tested the water assets at the Headquarters Force Reconnaissance Group, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim, Kaynipa Grande, Sapang I, Ternate.

These newly acquired assets will be deployed in areas of operation under the Southern Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP SOCOM).

The PMC stated that the CRRCs will be operationally ready for use in various small-scale amphibious operations.

Marine Corps Public Affairs Chief Cpt. Mary-Ann Domacena said the acquisition of these additional water assets aims to enhance the capability of the Philippine Marine Corps in fulfilling its mission.

“It also directly contributes to the Navy’s core function of providing mission-ready Marine forces and defending our sovereignty and strategic maritime interests,” she added.

“This will also ensure the availability of water assets in prime condition that can be utilized in the conduct of military operations,” she further stated.

Domacena emphasized that acquiring new raiding craft aligns with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

She noted that the PMC remains committed to advancing its transformation into an amphibious crisis response force with very high readiness — an evolution integral to the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

She also underscored the importance of developing the PMC’s capabilities to defend and protect the country’s territories amid evolving security challenges.