SPECIAL Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said on Thursday, August 30, that President Rodrigo Duterte will go to Israel for the possible acquisition of modern equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard.
Go, during the PCG’s 33rd anniversary held in Sasa, said PCG commander Admiral Elson Hermogino and other dignitaries will join the President on his trip.
“May mga patrol boats ang Coast Guard natin. Kasama natin si Coast Guard commandant pupunta ng Israel to check also possible equipment para makatulong mag-modernize ng ating Philippine Coast Guard,” Go said.
He added that the government allocated P3 billion for the procurement of new equipment and floating assets for the PCG such as ships, patrol boats, weapons and other new state-of-the-art equipment.
He also said that 10 new 54-meter patrol boats from Japan have just arrived and these would help boost the patrolling capacity of the PCG personnel in ensuring the security of the seas and to intercept illegal activities.
He likewise assured the PCG staff that they are part of the salary increase of the uniformed personnel.