Japan-Made BRP Malabrigo Vessel Commissioned to PCG

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Another Japanese-made Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) has been commissioned to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The BRP Malabrigo, named after a lighthouse in Batangas, was commissioned in a ceremony at the PCG Headquarters earlier today, granting the vessel an authority to belong to a service and authorize her to perform the mandated mission of the agency. It is the second of 10 MRRVs built and delivered from Japan as part of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Maritime Felipe Judan led the commissioning ceremony and thanked Japan for its continued support in helping improve the country’s transportation system. He also expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the PCG who have shown unwavering dedication to the service.

“Officials and members of the Philippine Coast Guard have the heart to serve, but need equipment and support,” he said.

BRP Malabrigo will be deployed to various PCG districts across the country including Manila, La Union, and Palawan. It will be a primary rescue vessel, a rapid response vessel during relief operations, and shall also be assigned to assist in the protection of marine environment, and safeguard our territories.

The 44-meter BRP Malabrigo is equipped with fire monitors, nigh vision camera, radio direction finder, a work boat, and a bullet-proof navigational bridge.

The BRP Malabrigo will be under the helm of Lieutenant Commander Geronimo Tuvilla as Commanding Officer.

The first MRRV turned over and commissioned to the PCG, the BRT Tubbataha, was deployed to the West Philippine Sea. Last week, it saved 14 fishermen whose boat was drifted from the Reed Bank to Busuanga, Palawan due to big waves.