PCG acquires modern maritime, aerial assets to improve PH's maritime security
From advanced offshore patrol vessels to new helicopters, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) bared on Tuesday, Aug. 10 its new “state of the art and modern” maritime and aerial assets that were acquired to improve the country’s maritime security and safety.
The PCG admitted the lack of maritime assets before for surveillance, patrol, and search and rescue operations made the agency incapable of guarding the country’s vast coastline and maritime domain.

However, this year, the PCG said it was able to acquire modern and advanced assets of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), new helicopters, and multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) equipped with remote control weapons system on naval machine guns.
“These include the two brand new H145 Airbus Helicopter, ten 44-meter MRRVs, two 97-meter MRRVs, one 83-meter OPV, four 24-meter Fast Patrol Craft (FPC), ten 7-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), two 12-meter boats, and one 15-meter boat, among others,” the Coast Guard said.



The PCG also reported the increase of operational lighthouses from 546 to 564 as of June 2021 to improve the maritime safety of the seafarers at-sea.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard said the government has also approved its expansion of manpower and capability, which will be able to achieve its goal to recruit “35,000 strong workforce in the near future.”
As of July 23, 2021, the PCG has a total of 18,845 personnel in the service.
“Stronger, more powerful, and more ready than ever to serve and provide the needed assistance and help to all the Filipinos, coast to coast,” the Coast Guard added.