Patrulleras francesas para la prefectura naval filipina

PCG to Buy ex-French Navy Patrol Ship



La Tapageuse P691 a 55 meter patrol vessel, stationed in Papeete, French Polynesia (photo : mer et marine)

The Philippine Coast Guard is set to acquire a former French Navy vessel worth €6 million to boost its off-shore patrol capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.

Coast Guard commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said the procurement of 54.8-meter French Navy vessel La Tapageuse has already been approved by Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

Isorena said the PCG is looking forward to this new acquisition that is expected to boost its capability for maritimesearch and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime environmental protection and maritime security.

"This French vessel is multi-functional and it would be a major contribution to our fleet. Unlike other vessels that are more appropriate for (Search and Rescue) operations, this soon-to-be latest addition was made for sovereignty patrol and law enforcement", Isorena said.

He added the vessel will be deployed to places like the West Philippine Sea, Northern Luzon, and Southern Mindanao.

The Tapageuse has a built-in 40-millimeter anti-aircraft gun, a 20-millimeter anti-aircraft cannon, and two 7.62-millimeter machine guns.

The PCG will be buying the ship at a reasonable price of €399,000 but the refurbishing of the ship would entail additional cost. The Philippine government will be spending a total of €6.295 million or an equivalent of Php 354,754,000 million.

Asian Defence