The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues to beef up its maritime capability with twelve (12) new rigid hull inflatable boats set to arrive in the country this month.
The seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boats will function in patrol and interception tasks, transport of crew and equipment, rescue operations, and diving support. These rescue assets can operate at sea state 4 with a capacity of 10-12 persons. They are also fitted with communication and navigational equipment such as radar and GPS plotter.
PCG Commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino said the procurement of emergency boats, whose parts will come from the United States and will be assembled locally through Pacificportia Marine Technologies, is in anticipation of weather disturbance and typhoon threats that may hit the country with the onset of the rainy season.
“As vanguards of the coast, the PCG is tasked to safeguard life and property at sea. These new water assets will help us respond more swiftly and effectively, especially during disaster or incident response,” Admiral Hermogino said.
Once the high-speed emergency boats arrive this month, they will be strategically deployed to 12 PCG Districts in Northwestern Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR), Coast Guard Special Operation Force in Manila, Bicol, Southern Tagalog, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Southwestern Mindanao, Southeastern Mindanao, Palawan, and Northern Mindanao.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade expressed support for the PCG’s continuing capability enhancement initiatives.
“The PCG has been at the forefront of rescue operations not just at sea, but also on land. I am confident that through its efforts toward modernization, the PCG will be able to save more lives and uplift the dignity of our countrymen in times of disaster, calamity and maritime incident,” Secretary Tugade said.
The expected arrival of the rigid hull inflatable boats is on top of newly-acquired rescue assets that were presented by the PCG last May. These include aluminum boats, watercraft, Hilux pick-up trucks, and one unit of 11.5-meter rigid hull inflatable boat. Currently, the PCG has twenty (20) rigid hull inflatable boats operating throughout the country.
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