President Marcos has given the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) the green light to acquire 40 fast patrol craft (FPCs) from France as part of his administration's initiative to enhance maritime security by upgrading the PCG's capabilities.

"The acquisition of 40 units of fast patrol boats, as an ODA [Official Development Assistance] project is approved," Marcos said during a meeting with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, which he chairs, this week.

According to Malacañang, 20 of the 40 units will be assembled in the Philippines. The project is funded through a P25.8-billion ODA from the French government.

"[This] marks a significant investment in strengthening the country’s maritime defense," it said.

In addition, the Palace said the patrol crafts are expected to support socio-economic development by transporting goods and personnel during calamities and disasters, benefitting national and local governments.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Nov. 7, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan said the acquisition of the 40 fast patrol crafts is the largest single-purchase for the modernization of the Coast Guard, calling it a "game-changer."

"It will enable the Philippine Coast Guard to have at least two patrol boats in every district, fast enough to reach edges of our socio-economic zone forms to enforce the laws," he said.

According to Gavan, some of the said vessels will be deployed to the West Philippine Sea as part of the PCG’s "mix of capabilities" to address security threats in Philippine waters.

The vessels are likewise expected to enhance the drive against smuggling, drug trafficking, piracy, illegal fishing, and other forms of maritime crime.

"All forms of maritime crimes because enforcement of laws require us to be there. So, we need boats. This will also be engaged in search and rescue, as well as environmental protection and surveillance operations," Gavan said.

"Giving protection to our fishermen is a fundamental duty of the Coast Guard. That can be part of the task of the Coast Guard through these boats. But not only securing our fishermen, ginagawa naman natin ‘yan kahit wala pa itong 35-meter patrol boats," he added.