Japan minister visits Philippine Coast Guard

April 30, 2018

Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Keichi Ishii was welcomed by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade during his visit at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters, Sunday afternoon.

With Ishii was Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda, and a 20-man delegation. Rear Admiral Elson Hermogino, the Philippine Coast Guard commandant, briefed the minister on recent maritime accomplishments using the Multi Role Response Vessel (MRRV) acquired from Japan.

From responding to sea mishaps, extending relief efforts to calamity stricken areas and providing maritime patrol and security in Philippine waters, MRRV's play a huge role in ensuring that the PCG is able to carry out its mandate.

Ishii was very pleased with the recent accomplishments of the PCG using the MRRV's.

"It is with great pleasure to see that Japan's ships provided with a number of accomplishments. Japan is promoting peace in the pacific. To promote free pacific, we must strengthen maritime capablities,” said Ishii. The PCG is expecting the delivery of two 94-meter vessels in 2021.

"We expect that with the coming of the 94 meter vessels from Japan, it will greatly enhance our performance. This will also ensure that all Japanese vessels passing Philippine waters will be guarded and protected", said Hermogino.

Tugade assured the Japanese government that all vessels are in good hands. "I'm sure that if we will take care of these ships, Japanese government will be inspired to give us more,” Tugade said. After exchanging pleasantries on board BRP Capones, Tugade handed over a PCG Command Plaque to Ishii. DMS