The Philippine Coast Guard is looking to acquire Defender-class boats in its bid to strengthen its Maritime Law Enforcement capabilities. This was revealed by Philippine Coast Guard officer-in-charge Commodore Joel S. Garcia during a briefing with United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim who visited PCG Headquarters today.
Defender-class boat, also known as Response Boat–Small (RB-S), is a 25-feet boat introduced by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in 2002. Defender-class boats serve the USCG, US Border Patrol, US Navy, and several other navies including Israel.
According to US Coast Guard, the RB-S became the platform to increase the long term homeland security capability at shore stations in the wake of September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
Commodore Garcia also suggested for further training and mentoring from the US Coast Guard as well as to increase the number of PCG Cadets to study at US Coast Guard Academy, the coast guard said.
For his part, Ambassador Sung Kim said that the US government will attend to the concerns and request of PCG. He also expressed appreciation for PCG’s effort in combating terrorism and in enhancing its capabilities as a law enforcer.
(Update)
Philippine CG better use this boats in Sulu water. That place is infested with pirates and robbers. Every week news just pop up about crime at that place.
BalasHapusThis vessel is approproate for PCG. The price within the means of PCG, the track record of the vessel is excellent and most of all, it has a top speed of 45 knots.
BalasHapusGood news for ph.
BalasHapusThat should be their focus now is to increase the number of ships to secure the waters in Sulu.