Philippines to acquire 40 coast guard patrol boats worth $442 million

November 6, 2024 - 9:49 AM
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Ayungin Shoal
A Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocks the Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4, on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. (Reuters/Adrian Portugal)

 The Philippines will acquire 40 fast patrol craft for its coast guard to boost its maritime security, the economic planning agency said on Tuesday.

The purchase, to be funded by official development assistance from the French government, was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

—Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty