PCG to deploy French-made vessel to repatriate Filipinos in Middle East

January 8, 2020

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will deploy its first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), which is heading towards the Philippines, to change course, head towards Dubai and Oman and await orders to repatriate Filipinos in Middle East.

Capt. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the 83.6-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) named BRP Gabriela Silang  is all set for its first-ever mission – to repatriate Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) if hostilities erupt in the Middle East. 

After its commissioning to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in France last year, BRP Gabriela Silang left Saint-Nazaire, France for its maiden voyage on December 30 2019. It is scheduled to reach the Philippines on February 10 2020. 

"However, as directed by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade as part of the national government’s preparation to assist (Overseas Filipino Workers) OFWs who may need immediate extrication, the arrival of BRP Gabriela Silang is halted for a greater cause," said Balilo.

He said Gabriela Silang with 35 crew members onboard is currently docked at Malta Freeport, "preparing to sail to the Middle East, specifically to Oman or Dubai, to ensure the safety and security of OFWs through ferry missions."

"In case of conflict, OFWs will be brought to safer ports where they may be airlifted, as the need arises," he added 

Balilo said BRP Gabriela Silang is "considered as the largest and most advanced aluminum hull OPV in the world to date."

"The BRP Gabriela Silang is designed to meet the demanding mandate of the PCG which highlights the responsibility to perform maritime search and rescue in service to the nation," he said.

The OPV can ferry approximately 500 people at one time and is more than capable to perform beyond its contractual specification of 20 knots of speed. It has a range of 8000 nautical miles at 15 knots and an endurance of up to five weeks of operation, Balilo said. 

"It has an excellent sea keeping ability and maneuverability on top of the great comfort it offers for people onboard," he added.

Balilo said "the PCG will also deploy 18 additional crew members to assist BRP Gabriela Silang in the successful conduct of its first-ever mission in the Middle East." Robina Asido/DMS