Philippine Coast Guard beefs up capability with new assets

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday launched dozens of its newly acquired assets meant for rescue operations.

PCG commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino led the launching and blessing ceremony in its headquarters in Manila, where some of the new aluminum boats, jetski, vehicles, and other equipment were put on display.

Philippine Coast Guard launches its newly acquired rescue assets. These are expected to be used this coming rainy season. pic.twitter.com/zdBS9ocARN

— Frances Mangosing 🇵🇭 (@FMangosingINQ) May 30, 2019

The assets are part of the P1.6-billion capability upgrade of the Coast Guard.

The 20 new aluminum boats from Pacificfortia Marine Technologies, which have a speed of 20 knots, were purchased for P16 million; and the 20 personal watercraft from Scan Marine Incorporated, with a maximum speed of 40 knots, were bought for P15.5 million.

Meanwhile, the 180 new units of Toyota Hilux are worth around P200 million.

The Coast Guard is also expecting 73 units of rubber boats with outboard motor worth P86 million and 12 seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boats worth P142 million.

The new assets are meant to be used for rescue operations, patrol and interception, and transport and diving support. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)