Manila announced the project after a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who pledged in a speech that Japan would "continue to contribute to enhancing the Philippines' security capabilities".
Teresa Magbanua is one of two patrol ships being built by Japan in 2021 and 2022 for the Philippine Navy. Photo: PCG
The Philippines is upgrading its maritime security facilities and strengthening ties with allies amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea.
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told reporters the five 97-meter-long vessels will be delivered between 2027 and 2028, with funding worth 29.3 billion pesos ($525 million) borrowed from Tokyo.
Japan's official development assistance has played a key role in enhancing the Philippine navy's capabilities. Tokyo has in recent years funded the Philippines' purchase of two 97-meter patrol boats and 10 44-meter patrol boats.
During a visit to Manila last week, Kishida also announced that Tokyo would provide the Philippines with a coastal radar surveillance system. He and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos also agreed to begin negotiations on a defense pact that would allow the countries to deploy troops on each other's territory.
Huy Hoang (according to AP, AFP)
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