The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Sunday, August 23, that it has formally acquired two 27-meter Marine Protector-class patrol vessels from the United States, a move intended to bolster the nation’s maritime safety, environmental protection, and domain awareness operations.
The two craft—formerly deployed as US Coast Guard Cutters USCGC Marlin (WPB-87304) and USCGC Bluefin (WPB-87318)—were officially transferred to the PCG on August 20 during a ceremony at the Waterfront Operational Training Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
Scheduled to arrive in Manila by October 2026, the patrol boats will be commissioned into service as BRP Pag-asa (PATS-2701) and BRP Patag (PATS-2702).
“BRP Pag-asa and BRP Patag will strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard’s operational efficiency in safeguarding the country’s vast waters,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said.
“They will enhance our ability to conduct maritime safety operations and respond to emergencies at sea, including oil spills and other marine environmental protection challenges,” she added.
In preparation for the transfer, 24 PCG personnel completed specialized instruction on operating and maintaining the vessels, concluding their training on the day of the formal handover. Additional Marine Protector-class vessels may be provided to the PCG in the future under the US Excess Defense Articles initiative.
Cayabyab emphasized that the acquisition underscores the long-standing alliance between Manila and Washington.
“This initiative demonstrates our shared commitment to maritime security and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific,” she said.