Philippines To Buy Five Coast Guard Vessels From Japan in A Deal Worth P23.85 Billion
WEST PHILIPPINE SEA TENSION – The Philippines is set to buy five (5) coast guard ships from Japan in a deal worth P23.85 billion.
The Philippine government should enhance its support and protection for Filipino fishermen who bear the brunt of the territorial conflict. The Philippines is being cautious in its interactions with China regarding the dispute.
Recently, the Philippine government emphasized that it isn’t seeking confrontation with China, but rather asserting its rights concerning the reported barrier set by Chinese authorities to ward off Filipino fishermen.
Based on a report from Inquirer, amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines has sealed a deal with Japan to procure five more patrol ships. This agreement, signed on Friday, involves a loan of approximately P23.85 billion, formalized by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya.
According to a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the vessels will enhance the maritime operational capacities of the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG), specifically in combating “transnational crimes.” The procurement of five additional patrol ships falls under the PCG’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) Phase III.
“The MSCIP III involves the acquisition of five additional units of 97-meter offshore patrol capable multi-role response vessels coupled with the development of the required support facilities for the PCG and is valued at JPY 64.38 billion [or] approximately PhP 23.85 billion,” the DFA said in a statement.
In his short address after the signing of the loan agreement, Manalo expressed the gratitude of the Philippines to the Japanese government.
“This occasion signifies not only the deepening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan but also underscores our unwavering commitment to enhance our maritime safety capabilities for the benefit of our nation and the broader maritime community,” Manalo said, as quoted in the DFA press release.
According to the report, representatives from the PCG, Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, and Japan International Cooperation Agency attended the ceremony.
Tokyo ranks among the foremost contributors of foreign aid to the Philippines.
The PCG currently possesses two 97-meter patrol vessels, a fleet viewed as insufficient for effectively patrolling the extensive waters surrounding the archipelagic nation.
In recent months, PCG vessels have encountered multiple collisions with Chinese coast guard ships near contested reefs in the South China Sea, an area largely claimed by Beijing.
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