PCG to use newest ship in drive vs. terrorism, illegal drugs

^{Multi-role response vessels BRP Capones and BRP Suluan, the Coast Guard's newest vessels from Japan, dock at the headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, while waiting to be commissioned to active service. —Danny Pata}

Philippine Coast Guard's newest Japan-made ship will be used to patrol Mindanao waters to help in government efforts to crush terrorism and illegal drugs trade in the southernmost part of the country.

Quoting PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo, dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Thursday morning that BRP Suluan, the coastguard's 5th newest ship will be commissioned to aid security forces against terrorism and criminality.

BRP Suluan, a multi-role and response vessel (MRRV), arrived last week from Japan.

Five other ships of this Japan-made type of vessel are scheduled to be delivered to the Philippines within the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, Balilo added.

The PCG vessel was named after the historic Suluan Lighthouse in Guian, Eastern Samar where it docked after it weathered a strong storm off northern Japan on its way to the Philippines.

"Vital ang role ng BRP Suluan pagpapatrolya sa bahagi ng Mindanao laban sa terorismo at droga," Balilo was quoted as saying. —LBG, GMA News