The government of Japan, through its embassy in Manila, turned over today two 12-meter high-speed boats to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The high-speed boats were turned over by Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda to PCG during a ceremony at PCG National Headquarters in the presence of PCG chief Admiral Elson E. Hermogino.
“These speed boats will scour the southern part of the country for anti-piracy and counter-terrorism. With the alarming discovery of “floating cocaine”, these assets will also be utilized for anti-drugs operation,” PCG said.
According to PCG, the speed boats which arrived January 4 has a maximum speed of 50 nautical miles per hour and can carry eight personnel.
Admiral Hermogino expressed his gratitude to the Japan government for granting the request of President Duterte to include the speed boats in the anti-terrorism package under the Japan’s Grant Aid for Social and Economic Development Program for the country.
(Mintfo)