Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 5) — The Indian government offered the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at least seven helicopters to be used for rescue and humanitarian efforts during disasters, Malacañang said Sunday.
In a statement, the Palace said the helicopters are a “big contribution for PCG’s maritime operations.”
“We’re trying to build up our capacity, our capabilities in terms of our coast guard, in terms of our of course, the search and rescue is always the primary consideration,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was quoted saying.
“There is a continuing problem really that we have to deal with and we have to increase our capabilities,” he added.
Marcos made the remarks during the courtesy call of Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran last week where he discussed the efforts to strengthen the bilateral relations between Manila and Mumbai.
Kumaran said talks between the Indian government, and the PCG, together with the Department of Transportation, (DOTr) on the helicopters are already underway.
The envoy also said the helicopters built for India’s navy and coast guard can be used for “more active security operations” and can carry more people and load.
“So, these (seven helicopters) is really an optimal solution, given the changing requirements for the PCG to play a more active role and its security,” he added.
