Phl acquiring 10 patrol boats from Japan

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will acquire 10 brand new patrol vessels from Japan for the Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said he could not discuss details of the acquisition as it is still in progress.

“I know that they (Japan) have a standing offer (to bolster the country’s maritime territorial defense),” he said.

“The Coast Guard has the complete details of the procurement.”

Speaking to reporters, Coast Guard commandant Vice Adm. Edmund Tan said the acquisition of the patrol vessels is subject for approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“The arrival of the vessels in the country would depend on how fast the loan is being processed and approved by NEDA,” he said.

The Coast Guard is negotiating a loan for the acquisition of 10 units of 40-meter patrol ships, Tan said.

Quoting the Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun, the Korean Broadcasting System reported that Japan intends to provide the Philippines with patrol vessels after easing three Principles of the Arms Export law.

The handover of the 1,000-ton patrol vessels is scheduled before the yearend, the report added.

Nihon Keizai Shimbun also reported that the Japanese government wants to help boost maritime safety capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.