United States to deliver two patrol vessels to Philippine Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to expand its maritime capabilities through the acquisition of two Marine Protector-class patrol vessels from the United States Coast Guard. The vessels, named BRP Pag-asa (PATS-2701) and BRP Patag (PATS-2702), are expected to arrive in Manila waters in October 2026.

This transfer follows a commitment made during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2023 visit to Washington, D.C., to provide the Philippines with patrol craft and airlift assets. The acquisition is part of the Excess Defense Article (EDA) arrangement. To prepare for the arrival, a detachment of 24 PCG personnel recently completed operational and maintenance training in Baltimore, Maryland.

The 27-meter vessels, formerly the USCGC Marlin and USCGC Bluefin, feature steel hulls and aluminum superstructures designed for coastal interdiction. They are intended to support search and rescue operations, environmental protection, fisheries regulation enforcement, and maritime domain awareness within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.