MANILA, Philippines—The newest and most modern ship of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), officially joined the PCG fleet on Monday (April 13).
Philippine Coast Guard commissioned new offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang into service today. Because of the pandemic, the ceremony was a low-key one instead of a huge gathering. 📸PCG pic.twitter.com/K3GgEZyeQS
— Frances Mangosing 🇵🇭 (@FMangosingINQ) April 13, 2020
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and PCG commandant Admiral Joel Garcia led the private commissioning ceremony aboard the ship docked at Pier 15 in South Harbor. Restrictions on large gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic canceled the traditional ceremony for the new vessel.
The 83-meter French-built offshore patrol vessel (OPV) arrived last week. While en route to Manila in late December, it was diverted to Malta to provide assistance to Filipinos in the Middle East who wanted to be repatriated amid escalating tension between Iran and the United States.
The Philippines and OCEA signed the contract for the OPV worth P5.6 billion in 2014. PCG earlier received four fast patrol boats as part of the project.
The PCG earlier said that the ship will be used to patrol the West Philippine Sea, Benham Rise and conduct anti-piracy and terrorism missions in Mindanao.
But in the meantime, PCG spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo said coronavirus transport missions will be the new vessel’s priority.
