MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is waiting for the arrival of its second 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) from Japan, which will be used in maritime patrol.
PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the vessel, named BRP Melchora Aquino, would conduct patrols in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Rise and in the territorial waters in the southern part of the country.
Melchora Aquino will patrol alongside BRP Teresa Magbanua, the PCG’s first and largest MRRV that arrived in the country on Feb. 26.
The ships, acquired from the Kunigami-class vessel of the Japan Coast Guard, can sustain sea patrol for several days.
The vessels were acquired under the maritime safety capability improvement project of the Department of Transportation.
During calamities, the vessels can be used in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.