Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the Philippines is poised to become “the most powerful coast guard in Southeast Asia” in 5 to 7 years.
Gavan, quoted by GMA News, said at least 46 new vessels will be added to their fleet in the next several years.
Gavan also said said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the acquisition of five 97-meter cutters from Japan and 40 units of 35-meter vessels from France. A 60-meter cutter will be built in a shipyard in Cebu, the official said.
The admiral added that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Philippine Red Cross will each transfer one of their floating assets to the PCG and some members of the private sector will also follow suit.
“With the hands-on support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the Coast Guard is poised to receive at least 46 new ships in the next five to seven years and in effect, we are poised to become the most powerful coast guard in South East Asia,” Gavan said, in an interview with GMA News.
The acquisition of new vessels will boost the capability of PCG in its effort to ensure maritime security in the country, especially in the West Philippine Sea.
“For as long as we remain rules-based, for as long as the Coast Guard would remain the protector of rules, the things on the ground will change,” Gavan said.
He said that currently, 2,000 recruits have taken their oath to be part of PCG, and another 2,000 personnel will join the agency before the year ends.
Earlier, Gavan led the top brass of PCG to welcome the arrival of BRP Gabriela Silang in Port of Manila from its mission in Manado, Indonesia.