November 8, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Starting 2026, the Philippine Coast Guard will acquire 40 fast patrol craft (FPCs) from France to improve the PCG’s search and rescue capability during calamities as well as the conduct of anti-crime operations.
PCG spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente said “as initially proposed, the first vessel would be delivered tentatively by early 2026.”
He said the sea assets would be useful in responding to calamities such as strong typhoons.
“These boats would also enhance the PCG’s maritime security patrol and campaign against crime,” Ricafrente said.
He said the FPCs serve as an additional platform for enforcing national and international laws in the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.
Ricafrente said the boats would be useful in the government’s campaign against drugs, piracy, kidnapping at sea and terrorism.
The Coast Guard will purchase the FPCs under a “blended financing” arrangement with the French government for P25.801 million.
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