“Nagsimula na kami makipagusap sa French government at sa US kung pwede,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Vice Admiral George V. Ursabia Jr. said over DZBB on June 21 when asked if the PCG is looking into acquiring more ships like the BRP Gabriela Silang.
“We are thinking of getting more like the BRP Gabriela Silang,” Vice Admiral Ursabia said. “We are thinking of getting two more of which.”
BRP Gabriela Silang, an offshore patrol vessel, is currently being used as transport ship amid government’s COVID-19 efforts.
Vice Admiral Ursabia said that BRP Gabriela Silang is really intended for patrolling West Philippine Sea.
“Iniisip na rin namin dapat meron na rin kaming RO-RO type na barko, katulad ng sa commercial [shipping] para naman ‘pag meron tayong mga krisis o pandemic na kailangan natin magtransport hindi lamang tao pati rin mga relief goods at medisina, at least mayroon tayong sariling barko sa gobyerno tulad ng Coast Guard para mag-transport kaagad-agad pag mayroong mga krisis,” the PCG commandant added.
(Mintfo)