Coast Guard vessel flies Philippine flag as it prepares to leave France

December 20, 2019

A Philippine contingent attended the change of flag ceremony for the first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in France on Wednesday .


Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said Friday the 83-meter vessel was acquired in France by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the PCG, with French shipbuilder OCEA.


Balilo said the Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa Lazaro led the Philippine contingent during the ceremony.


"Ambassador Lazaro represented the DOTr and the PCG in the historic event, which marks the first time the OPV will be flying the national flag, and will now be under the official ownership of the Republic of the Philippines," he said.


"Last month, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade gave his approval for the provisional acceptance of the OPV, and he was represented in the signing of the certificate in France by the OPV’s incoming commanding officer, Commander Alberto Ferre of the PCG," he added.


Balilo said present during "the change of flag ceremony are the 35 PCG personnel and crew that will man and operate the vessel, as it embarks on its voyage from France to the Philippines."


"The OPV is scheduled to depart from France on 30 December 2019 and is expected to arrive in Manila on 10 February 2020," he said. Robina Asido/DMS