Japan-made BRP Malapascua joins Coast Guard fleet

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism on Tuesday formally commissioned BRP Malapascua (MRRV-403) , the third new multi-role response vessel from Japan, into the Coast Guard.

The 44-meter BRP Malapascua was built by Japan Marine United Corporation in Yokohama, Japan and arrived on Tuesday.

It was given arrival honors by the Philippine Coast Guard.

According to the PCG, the acquisition of the MRRVs is under the project Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project, which was awarded by the Transportation department to the JMU Corporation. It is being implemented as an Official Development Assistance project, through a tied loan extended by the Japan International Corporation Agency.

It added that JMU won the bid in the amount of 12,790,000,000.00 Japanese Yen, and includes the supply of standard spare parts and tools, crew training, ocean transportation and marine insurance. The vessels will have a standard cruising speed of 25 knots, and a range of 1,500 nautical miles.

BRP Malapascua will be deployed to Mindanao to conduct anti-piracy operations following 13 pirate attacks in southern Mindanao within the last six months. It is also set to conduct maritime security patrols in Zamboanga and Sulu area.

Commander Gary Gimotea will be at the helm of the Malapascua.

The commissioning ceremony held at Pier 15, South Harbor Manila, was graced by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide, House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez and House Majority Leader Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, among others.

Ceremonial hand-over of BRP Malapascua from Japan Marine United Corp to DOTr Sec. Tugade. pic.twitter.com/tWsiOgtWna

— DOTr (@DOTr_PH) March 7, 2017

Amb. Ishikawa: BRP Malapascua is testament of strong ties between PH & Japan. We will continue to work with & provide assistance to PH #DOTr

— DOTr (@DOTr_PH) March 7, 2017

Sec Tugade inspects BRP Malapascua. Has fire monitors, night vision camera & bullet proof navigational bridge. #DOTr pic.twitter.com/WVoXQiOIY5

— DOTr (@DOTr_PH) March 7, 2017

According to the PCG, the vessel was named after Lighthouse Malapascua Island in Cebu in recognition of the significance of lighthouses in a maritime nation.

Aside from BRP Malapascua, PCG’s first two multi-role vessels BRP Tubbataha and BRP Malabrigo were also deployed to Mindanao.

BRP Malabrigo was commissioned last December 8.