Coast Guard eyes P1B worth of Russian arms, trucks

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is planning to purchase P1-billion worth of military trucks, machine guns and other armaments from Russia. PCG commandant Rear Adm. Elson Hermogino announced the agency’s plan on Friday following the courtesy call last Monday of Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev at the PCG.

Hermogino said he discussed with Khovaev the procurement of armaments for the PCG.

“It has been arranged in the previous administration. It’s about the procurement of some armaments for our people and our ships,” said Hermogino, adding that the purchase needs the approval of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“Once the DFA approves our draft MOA (memorandum of agreement), then we will proceed with the procurement,” said Hermogino.

The MOA paves the way for the technical cooperation between the PCG and the Russian Federal Service for Military to strengthen their partnership. —JULIE M. AURELIO