INQUIRER.net files

MANILA, Philippines — South Korea is exploring opportunities to build coast guard ships for the Philippines to help improve its maritime security operations, as the two countries aim for deeper cooperation with an eye on “pressing maritime challenges” in the region.

The Philippine and Korean coast guards discussed “the possibility of vessel acquisitions to boost operational capabilities” as well as other capacity-building initiatives such as joint training programs, after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during the visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol last week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said over the weekend.

The PCG seeks to acquire at least 46 patrol vessels and hundreds of patrol boats in five years as part of its fleet modernization. Most of its modern vessels were built by Japan through official development assistance loans.

READ: Restoring ‘glory days’ of shipbuilding

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for the first time publicly presented five ship designs as their offers to the PCG during the Asian Defense and Security Exhibition in late September.

All the proposed designs of the HD Hyundai are made of steel to withstand Chinese ramming in the West Philippine Sea, according to a representative.

HD Hyundai also built some of the Philippine Navy’s newest ships.

The coast guards of the Philippines and South Korea committed to strengthening their maritime cooperation during Yoon’s visit, as part of the upgraded strategic partnership between the two countries.

The MOU was signed by PCG commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan and Korea Coast Guard Commissioner Kim Jong -uk. The PCG said the MOU aims “to enhance the protection of shared maritime interests, ensuring safety, security and order at sea while addressing pressing maritime challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Key areas of cooperation under the agreement included the fight against transnational maritime crimes such as piracy, armed robbery, trafficking, smuggling, and illegal migration.

The two coast guards will also boost their partnership on search-and-rescue operations, responding to marine pollution incidents, exchanges and joint training programs.

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