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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider US hands over two Marine Protector-class patrol boats to PCG

US hands over two Marine Protector-class patrol boats to PCG

Published Aug 23, 2026 02:52 pm

At A Glance

  • The United States government formally handed over two 27-meter Marine Protector-class patrol boats to the Philippine Coast Guard on Aug. 20 in Baltimore, Maryland.
  • Former USCGC Marlin and USCGC Bluefin are expected to reach Manila in October and will be commissioned as BRP Pag-asa and BRP Patag.
  • The vessels will strengthen the PCG's maritime safety, search and rescue, environmental protection and maritime domain awareness capabilities, with more boats potentially transferred under the US Excess Defense Articles program.
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday, Aug. 23, that it has formally received two 27-meter Marine Protector-class patrol vessels from the United States (US), a move seen to bolster the country’s maritime safety, environmental protection, and domain awareness operations.
The vessels are the former US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Marlin (WPB-87304) and USCGC Bluefin (WPB-87318), which were turned over to the PCG on Aug. 20 at the Waterfront Operational Training Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
The two Marine Protector-class patrol boats are expected to arrive in Manila in October 2026 where they will be commissioned into the PCG fleet as BRP Pag-asa (PATS-2701) and BRP Patag (PATS-2702).
“BRP Pag-asa and BRP Patag will strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard’s operational efficiency in safeguarding the country’s vast waters,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said.
“They will enhance our ability to conduct maritime safety operations and respond to emergencies at sea, including oil spills and other marine environmental protection challenges,” she added.
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
Twenty-four PCG crew members completed specialized operational and maintenance training for the vessels before their graduation was marked during the handover.
Reports indicated that more Marine Protector-class vessels may be transferred to the PCG in the coming years under the US Excess Defense Articles program.
Cayabyab underscored that the acquisition reflects the enduring partnership between Manila and Washington.
“This initiative demonstrates our shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific,” she said.

Related Tags

PCG United States BRP Pag-asa BRP Patag Marine Protector-class patrol vessel
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