Japan turns over patrol boat, x-ray machine to PCG

November 11, 2019

The Japanese government turned over a patrol boat and an x-ray machine to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday.

"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has received a 15-meter patrol boat and an x-ray inspection machine from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines to further enhance maritime safety, maritime security, and maritime law enforcement, as well as marine environmental protection and maritime search and rescue the country," said Capt. Armando Balilo, PCG spokesman, in a statement.

The event, led by PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Joel Garcia and Minister Masahiro Nakata of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan was held at the PCG headquarters in Manila.

Balilo said Nakata assures that the government of Japan will continue to support the Philippine Coast Guard.

“Our commitment to the Philippines is far from over. Rest assured that we will further support the operations of the PCG by providing high-quality assets and by instilling the latest maritime know-hows to its technical personnel,” said Nakata.

According to Balilo, in his message Garcia "expressed his gratitude to Minister Nakata and to the Embassy of Japan for granting the request of the Philippine government to strengthen its efforts to counter attacks of terrorism through the acquisition of maritime security assets."

“Our strong cooperation with Japan aids our efforts in preventing terror attacks, specifically kidnap for ransom within Philippine waters which, not only enhances maritime security, but also increases the number of economic undertakings in the region,” Garcia said.

Balilo said the 15-meter patrol boat runs at 29 knots with a capacity of up to 14 passengers suitable for quick response operations and retrieval missions.  

"It is also capable of accosting alleged terrorists, intruders, and/or poachers within the Philippine territory," he said.

The x-ray inspection machine, on the other hand, is a compact and battery-operated equipment suitable for inspection in high or narrow places.

''It is controlled using a remote with a distance of up to 20 meters and provides real-time inspection images'', he added. Robina Asido/DMS