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PCG To Get 40 Patrol Boats From France

PCG To Get 40 Patrol Boats From France
The BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) stands guard at the Port of Albay on Nov. 7, 2024. The vessel is carrying essential government relief packs from Cebu City to be distributed to the recovering families in the Bicol region who were affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard’s Facebook page

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 on Thursday, Nov. 7, “as initially proposed, the first vessel would be delivered tentatively by early 2026.”

He added 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 noted.

He said the FPCs serve as an additional platform for enforcing national and international laws in the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.

Ricafrente stressed 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.