2 Multi-Role Response Vessels, 4 RHIBs for Commissioning with the Philippine Coast Guard on 28th March 2018

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has finally received another batch of 4 units out of the 10 units of Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIB) donated by the Japanese Government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The boats, together with trailers, are now with the PCG's headquarters in Manila South Harbor. The boats arrived at the PCG headquarters yesterday. This will being the total of RHIBs received from Japan to 7 units.

The 4 RHIB's donated by Japan to the PCG.
Photo taken only yesterday 23rd March 2018, and shared exclusively to MaxDefense by a community member.

Originally 10 units were promised by the Japanese government, with the first 3 units arriving an handed over to the PCG last November 20, 2017 by Japan's Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda. These boats were then handed-over together with the commissioning three Multi-Role Response Vessels on the same date. The last 3 are already in the Philippines but are still in custody of the Bureau of Customs.

The RHIBs are ARD-series models made by Achilles Inflatable Crafts, and are powered by 2 outboard Suzuki marine engines. These boats can carry up to 12 people including the crew, and are more than 7 meters long. These would be used by the PCG for a variety of missions including law enforcement, coastal patrol and interdiction, and maritime rescue including HADR missions.



In addition, the Philippine Coast Guard is scheduled to commission two (2) Parola-class Multi-Role Response Vessels, the BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) and BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. The event will also formally hand-over the 4 RHIBs to the PCG, which will then be put to service.

BRP Cape San Agustin (top) and BRP Cabra (above) arrived in the Philippines only within a two-week difference due to the delays encountered in delivering BRP Cape San Agustin because of natural causes. Both ships will be commissioned together on March 28, 2018, together with the official turn-over of 4 RHIBs donated by Japan.
Photo provided exclusively to MaxDefense by source who prefer to remain anonymous.

The event will be at the Philippine Coast Guard's headquarters in Manila South Harbor, and will be graced by Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade, and probably Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda. This brings the number of active Parola-class MMRVs with the PCG to 8, with 2 more units expected to arrive within the year.

Both projects are actually part of the Philippine Coast Guard's drive to modernize its capabilities with the help of the Japanese government. The MRRVs were financed by Japan under a low-interest, long term loan from JICA under the Department of Transportation's "Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard".