The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said that the Japanese government will provide a state-of-the-art satellite data communication system to improve its maritime law enforcement capabilities.
In a statement, the PCG said the system was granted through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is worth 1.1 billion yen, or the equivalent of P432 million.
The said grant was formalized following Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo's signing of an Exchange of Notes on Tuesday.
The Japanese Embassy said the satellite data communication system is expected to improve the PCG’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and maritime law enforcement capabilities.
Furthermore, the PCG said that the system will contribute to Philippine economic and social development, strengthen cooperation in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and its surrounding areas, and realize the ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific.’
The new equipment has been granted following the recent tension between the PCG and China Coast Guard (CCG), as the latter blocked and attacked the PCG’s boats that were on a resupply mission at the Ayungin Shoal.
Koshikawa expressed support for the Philippine position and concern for China’s actions, calling the incident "harassment" that was "totally unacceptable" and that it infringed on the lawful activities of the sea and endangered navigational safety.
Meanwhile, Japan also provided the Philippines with a loan worth P11.7 billion to support the country’s disaster response and speed recovery in the aftermath of natural and health-related disasters.
The said loan was also part of the ODA that Koshikawa and Manalo signed, along with the PCG’s new satellite data communication system.
