Japanese PM Kishida to board a Coast Guard vessel on his PH visit

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (R) shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos during a press conference at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo on February 9, 2023. (File photo by Kimimasa MAYAMA / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday will board a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel made by Japan.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo did not mention the details of the vessel.

“The Prime Minister of Japan will also visit the National Headquarters on Saturday. He will board a Japan-made PCG vessel,” Balilo told reporters on Thursday.

Balilo said PCG currently has 13 Japanese-made ships, including ten multi-role response vessels (MRRV), two offshore patrol vessels, and a buoy tender vessel.

Notably, the 97-meter MRRV BRP Teresa Magbanua — the biggest PCG vessel to date — was also made by a Japanese firm.

Kishida will arrive in the country on Friday, November 3.

He will be welcomed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in a ceremony in Malacañang.

Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Commandant Admiral Shohei Ishii will also pay a courtesy visit to PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan on the same day.

“They are expected to discuss the current regional maritime security situation, reaffirm the PCG–JCG partnership in capability development and personnel exchange,” Balilo said.

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