BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402) was inspected, November 12, by Philippine Coast Guard team led by Commodore Elson Hermigino, Fleet Commander, and Lieutenant Commander Geronimo Tuvilla, the incoming Commanding Officer of the ship, Coast Guard said November 13. The vessel is now ready to sail and will be arriving in the Philippines on December 8.
BRP Malabrigo is the second of ten ordered Parola-class patrol vessel. Parola-class patrol vessels are 44-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) being built by Japan Marine United under the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard Phase 1 (MSCIP).
MSCIP I was awarded to Japan Marine United last year. BRP Tubbataha, the first Parola-class patrol vessel was delivered in August 2016, deliveries are expected every quarter until completion of 10 units in 2018.
The said project was funded through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan signed in 2013.
Meanwhile, MSCIP II was approved by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in September. MSCIP II funding will also be through Japan ODA loan. President Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe witnessed the signing and exchanging of notes for the said loan last October 26.
The project will provide the PCG with 2 heavy weather, high endurance 94-meter MRRVs.
(Update)