ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has strengthened its maritime force with the deployment of another newly-acquired Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) here in the region.
Deployed to the area of the PCG-Southwestern Mindanao District is the BRP-Bagacay (MRRV-4410), headed by Capt. Joseph Coyme. It arrived here on Tuesday.
Lieutenant Commander Noriel Ramos, Zamboanga Coastguard Station Commander, said on Tuesday the BRP-Bagacay is the ninth of the 10 MRRVs the PCG has acquired through a soft loan from Japan as part of the latter’s Maritime Safety Improvement Project.
The BRP-Bagacay (MRRV-4410) is the third Parola-class patrol vessels of PCG deployed in this part of the country. The other two are BRP-Malabrigo (MRRV-4404) and BRP-Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408).
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, who was the guest in the arrival of BRP-Bagacay, said the MRRV will truly enhance the capability of the Coastguard in the region.
Dela Vega said the deployment of the new vessel will be of big help to the Westmincom “in securing our sea waters.”
“I am truly proud to be part of this milestone in Philippine Coastguard. BRP-Bagacay will truly contribute in the enhancement of public safety and security in conflict areas,” dela Vega said.
“For and in behalf of our Armed Forces here in Western Mindanao Command, BRP Bagacay is very much welcome to be part of our strong forces here in the waters of Southern backdoor,” he added.
BRP-Bagacay arrived in the Philippines on May 31 this year and was commissioned into service on August 23.
The ship is a law enforcement vessel and is designed to conduct environmental and humanitarian missions, as well as maritime security operations and patrol missions. (Teofilo Garcia, Jr/PNA)
