Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan on Friday said President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. already approved the acquisition of five 97-meter boats from Japan.''Actually, the President has already approved the acquisition of five 97-meter boats from ships from Japan. Once delivered, we will have around eight large ships,'' Gavan said at a Palace press briefing.Gavan said Manila would start to receive it in 2027.
''I have to clarify, itong 40 parating pa lang ito and the first delivery will happen in 2026. But the existing fleet is involved – seven of our ships are engaged in relief operations,'' Gavan said.The acquisition, valued at P25.8 billion and funded through official development assistance from the French government, includes 40 FPCs, 20 of which will be locally built, Integrated Logistics Support, and support equipment for Philippine Coast Guard bases.