The Philippine Coast Guard has taken delivery of two decommissioned Marine Protector-class patrol boats from the US in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Philippine Coast Guard has taken delivery of two decommissioned Marine Protector-class patrol boats from the US in Baltimore, Maryland.
The former US Coast Guard cutters USCGC Bluefin (WPB-87318) and USCGC Marlin (WPB-87304) will undergo transit to Manila, with arrival expected in October.
Manila is set to commission the vessels as BRP Pag-asa (PATS-2701) and BRP Patag (PATS-2702) under its littoral force service.
"BRP Pag-asa and BRP Patag will strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard’s operational efficiency in safeguarding the country’s vast waters," Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Noemie Cayabyab stated.
Cayabyab added that the transfer demonstrates the mutual goal between the Southeast Asian country and Washington to maintain broader maritime stability across the Indo-Pacific.
"They will enhance our ability to conduct maritime safety operations and respond to emergencies at sea, including oil spills and other marine environmental protection challenges,” Cayabyab said.
More Capabilities From the US
The transfer follows a February 2026 agreement that builds on asset transfers pledged during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Washington three years ago.
Alongside the Marine Protector vessels, the package includes two Cyclone-class patrol boats that were already delivered, two Island-class cutters, and three C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft.
The coastal ships will be eventually supported by three Beechcraft King Air jets that the Philippines also procured last February.
Sources said that additional Marine Protector-class boats may be transferred to Manila under the US Excess Defense Articles program.
The Marine Protector Vessel
The Marine Protector system was adopted in the late 1990s to replace the US Coast Guard’s aging Point-class patrol boats.
Of the 77 platforms in the series, most were already decommissioned, with some also sent for reuse to partner countries.
Each Marine Protector measures 87 feet (27 meterS) and has a beam of 20 feet (6 meters).
It is powered by two MTU diesel engines for speeds over 25 knots (29 miles/46 kilometers per hour), a range of 900 nautical miles (690 miles/1,111 kilometers), and endurance of up to three days.
The boat is equipped with two 12.7mm heavy machine guns and has the capacity for up to 10 personnel.
