In a decisive move to strengthen the country’s maritime defense and patrol capabilities, the Philippine government is fast-tracking the procurement of five additional 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), under loan assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the acquisition in an ambush interview during the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to the PCG national headquarters in Port Area, Manila, on April 30.

The Japanese leader arrived in Manila on April 29 for a two-day official visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines.

“Yes. We have a commitment from the Japanese government for five more of these 97-meter ships (Teresa Magbanua and Melchora Aquino),” Dizon told journalists after giving a tour to Prime Minister Ishiba inside the Teresa Magbanua. “We’ve had that commitment for a while.”

Dizon said the goal of the Philippine government, particularly under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s directive, is to expedite the procurement process.

“The commitment of the Philippine government, specifically the DOTr and the PCG, is to fast-track the procurement of five more large ships for the Philippine Coast Guard. These will be funded by JICA, just like the Teresa Magbanua,” he added. DOTr is the Department of Transportation.

The new vessels will be of the same class as the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) — the largest and most advanced patrol ships currently in the PCG fleet.

Built in Japan based on the Japan Coast Guard’s Kunigami-class design, these vessels can reach speeds of 24 knots and have a range of 4,000 nautical miles, enabling extended patrols in the West Philippine Sea and beyond.

To date, a total of 13 Japan-made vessels have been delivered to the Philippines under JICA assistance. These include ten 44-meter multi-role response vessels, one 56-meter vessel (BRP Corregidor), and two 97-meter MRRVs—BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino.

PCG’s commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan announced that the first of the five additional ships is expected to arrive by late 2027, with all deliveries completed by 2030. 

“There were some technical issues before, but these have now been addressed,” he said. “We are back to the original timeline.”

Symbolic visit, strategic commitment

Ishiba’s visit to the BRP Teresa Magbanua marked a significant moment in the Philippines – Japan maritime alliance.

Welcomed with arrival honors by Admiral Gavan, the Japanese leader toured the 97-meter vessel alongside Dizon and Gavan. He also observed a live demonstration of arresting techniques onboard — training provided by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG)’s Mobile Cooperation Team to PCG personnel.

Though Ishiba made no public remarks during the visit, Gavan underscored the importance of his presence.

“The visit of the prime minister is more of an affirmation of his support. (Even) without saying a word, the message is very clear — that he is very supportive of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Filipino people,” he emphasized.

Ishiba’s visit is widely seen as a reaffirmation of Tokyo’s support for Manila amid growing tensions in the South China Sea. Japan has long been a steadfast partner in strengthening Philippine maritime capability, providing not only vessels but also training, law enforcement support, and surveillance systems.

According to a statement from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the provision of two 97-meter-class patrol vessels to the PCG in 2022 aimed to enhance the PCG’s capacity to swiftly and effectively conduct offshore and coastal rescue operations, as well as maritime law enforcement. It said the initiative is intended to contribute to improved maritime safety in the Philippines.

Prime Minister Ishiba observes an actual demonstration by the Japan Coast Guard Mobile Cooperation Team, showcasing arresting techniques at sea, some incorporating karate moves, taught to members of the Philippine Coast Guard. Photos credit: Liz Lagniton

Expanding maritime cooperation 

During a meeting with JCG’s commandant Admiral Seguchi Yoshio on April 29, Gavan reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based regional maritime order and commended Japan’s continued assistance.

“We vow to continue working with the JCG as we strive to attain peaceful and lasting resolutions to problems and conflicts that persist in the region,” Gavan said.

Both coast guards reaffirmed their commitment to expand capacity-building programs and people-to-people exchanges — cornerstones of the Philippines – Japan maritime partnership.

Future plans include more joint maritime drills, possibly ship-to-ship exercises, though details are still under discussion. 

“If I may recall, we previously had ship-to-ship exercises. We’re still discussing, nothing is final yet,” said Gavan, adding that there is a shared understanding to further enhance and activate these exercises. 

“We will further elevate the level of training that we have. We’ll be doing more (maritime) exercises,” he said, stressing that the common agreement is to further enhance the level of training activities.

A broader strategic alliance 

Ishiba’s visit also coincided with a broader diplomatic push to reinforce the Philippines – Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership, as both countries confront growing security challenges in the South China Sea.

At Malacañang Palace on April 29, Marcos and Ishiba discussed a wide range of issues, including security cooperation, infrastructure development, and economic assistance.

“Our discussions today laid the groundwork for a future-facing relationship anchored in peace, shared prosperity, and a rules-based international order,” Marcos said, describing Japan as a “key partner” in strengthening Philippine defense capabilities.

Both countries also committed to begin negotiations for an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, which would allow the deployment of military forces to each other’s territories for joint training, disaster response, and other operations.

Ishiba described this as part of a “multilayered” strategy to deepen bilateral security cooperation. He also noted Japan’s recent delivery of air surveillance radar systems and coastal monitoring equipment to the Philippines.

The Japanese leader said that amid growing international division, cooperation between the Philippines and Japan is more important than ever to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, noting that the alliance had gained momentum under Marcos’ administration.

Modernizing the Coast Guard

The procurement of five additional MRRVs forms part of a broader effort to modernize and professionalize the country’s coast guard.

Since its commissioning in 2022, the Teresa Magbanua has been at the forefront of PCG operations in the West Philippine Sea, defending the nation’s sovereign rights and conducting humanitarian missions. The arrival of five more ships is expected to significantly extend the PCG’s operational reach and effectiveness.

“With the new ships from Japan, the five incoming 97-meter vessels, the Philippine Coast Guard will be able to cover more areas, we can stay (out at sea) longer, and our people will be safer,” Gavan said.

The vessels will serve not only as a deterrent against illegal incursions but also as a platform for international cooperation. Their deployment aligns with the Marcos administration’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at countering foreign aggression and strengthening regional alliances.

As the Philippines and Japan prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, their maritime partnership stands as a model for peaceful and strategic collaboration in an increasingly contested region.

“Japan has helped us achieve our aspiration for peace and friendship with all nations, with strength and with integrity,” Marcos said, reflecting on the country’s long-standing alliance with its former wartime adversary turned key ally.

With enhanced maritime capability, increased training, and stronger diplomatic ties, the PCG is poised to play a larger role in safeguarding national sovereignty and contributing to regional stability.

Top photo credit: Philippine Coast Guard. Amid Japan’s open support for the Philippines against Chinese Coast Guard actions in the West Philippine Sea, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru makes a historic visit aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of the Philippine Coast Guard’s largest vessels.