The Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua has arrived at a port in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, following its departure from a disputed reef in the South China Sea where it had been anchored for months. The vessel's exit comes as the Philippines announced plans to acquire 40 fast patrol craft from France, with some to be deployed in contested areas of the South China Sea.
The acquisition represents the "largest single purchase" in Manila's ongoing efforts to modernize its coast guard, with deliveries expected to commence in four years, according to Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. Gavan declined to disclose the specifications of the vessels, which are estimated to cost 25.8 billion pesos (approximately $440 million) and will be financed by French development aid. He noted that several of these vessels will be stationed in the South China Sea, where Philippine maritime forces have experienced violent clashes with China's coast guard this year.
China's expansive claims over most of the sea, including waters near the Philippines and other neighboring countries, have been contested by an international tribunal ruling that deemed its claims legally unfounded. Gavan described the new vessels as a "game changer," capable of reaching the edges of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone for law enforcement and other missions. He added that these vessels will be part of the force needed to address threats in the region.
Under the agreement, 20 of the 40 vessels will be constructed in the Philippines through a technology transfer, which Gavan believes will bolster Manila's shipbuilding industry. Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan stated that the new fast patrol craft will aid in deterring smuggling and illegal activities while ensuring the enforcement of maritime sovereignty in critical marine areas.
The Philippine coast guard currently operates a fleet of modern vessels, including two 97-metre patrol ships and ten 44-metre patrol ships, all built by Japan. Additionally, the Japanese government is funding the construction of five more 97-metre patrol vessels, worth 64.4 million yen ($418 million), scheduled for delivery in 2027. AFP reached out to the French embassy in Manila for further details on the deal and the vessels, but no immediate response was received.
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