Ambassador Haneda attends the Commissioning Ceremony of Two 44m Class Patrol Vessels and the Handover Ceremony of Four High-speed Boats

On March 28, Ambassador Haneda attended the commissioning ceremony of two 44m class patrol vessels and the handover ceremony of four 7m class high-speed boats at the Headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Manila. The ceremony was also attended by Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and PCG Commandant Rear Admiral Elson E. Hermogino. At the ceremony, Secretary Tugade expressed his appreciation to the Japanese government and also stated that it was very meaningful to have this ceremony on the birthday of President Duterte.

The two 44m class patrol vessels, named “Cape San Agustin” and “Cabra” respectively, are the 7th and 8th of the ten Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs) that Japan is providing with its soft loan amounting to 18.7 billion yen (8.5 billion pesos). The four 7m class high-speed boats are part of the thirteen high-speed boats provided under Japan’s grant aid worth 600 million yen (270 million pesos).

The vessels and boats will enhance the Philippines’ capabilities for law enforcement, help in the prevention of maritime accidents and in the conduct of quick rescue operations, and contribute to the overall improvement of maritime security in the Philippines. The provision of these vessels and boats is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines.