Philippine Coast Guard commissions ex-Taiwanese patrol vessel

The foundation said the vessel will support sea patrols, search and rescue (SAR) missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), marine environmental protection, training, and other civilian missions.

In its September 21 handover announcement, WPSF said Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan had indicated that the vessel will be operated off the southern island of Mindanao, supporting HADR, SAR, and environmental protection.

The acquisition followed months of coordination led by Dr Jeffrey Ordaniel, WPSF President and CEO.

“Our objective was straightforward: if we could bring a capable vessel to the Philippine Coast Guard without asking Filipino taxpayers to foot the bill, we should find a way to make it happen,” Ordaniel said. “It took months of work, but we reached an arrangement that worked.”