MANILA: The planned acquisition of 40 units of fast patrol boats is a ‘game-changer’ in the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) quest for modernization, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan said Thursday. In a Palace press briefing, Gavan highlighted that this acquisition marks the largest single-purchase in the PCG’s modernization efforts.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gavan emphasized the significance of this purchase, noting that it will allow the Philippine Coast Guard to station at least two patrol boats in every district. These boats, he stated, are fast enough to reach the edges of the country’s socio-economic zones, thereby enhancing the enforcement of maritime laws. The deployment of some of these vessels is planned for the West Philippine Sea, as part of the Coast Guard’s strategy to bolster its capabilities in addressing security threats in Philippine waters.

The acquisition is not only aimed at improving maritime law enforcement but also at combatting smuggling, drug trafficking, piracy, illeg
al fishing, and other maritime crimes. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during a National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board meeting on Tuesday, approved the acquisition plan. Of the 40 units, 20 will be assembled in the Philippines, aligning with the administration’s initiative to enhance maritime security and boost the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities.

The funding for this significant project will come from a P25.8-billion official development assistance (ODA) from the French government, with the delivery of the patrol boats expected by 2027.