On April 14, the BRP Gabriela Silang, the most advanced offshore patrol vessel in the Philippine Coast Guard fleet, arrived at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, marking the start of its goodwill visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 17.

The vessel carries a crew of 84, led by Captain Eleizer Gonzales Ibarientos. This visit is the first time a Philippine Coast Guard vessel has docked in Vietnam.

A welcome ceremony was held with representatives from the Command of Coast Guard Region 2, the Da Nang People’s Committee, Military Region 5 Command, Da Nang City Military Command, Border Guard Command, the Department of Foreign Relations (Ministry of National Defense), and Naval Region 3 Command.

Alongside the ship’s arrival, a high-ranking delegation led by Rear Admiral Joeven L. Fabul, Deputy Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard, along with representatives from the Philippine Embassy and Defense Attaché Office in Vietnam, also took part in the official program.

During the visit, the ship’s officers and crew are scheduled to pay courtesy visits to Da Nang’s leaders and Coast Guard Region 2, engage in friendly sports activities, and participate in joint drills with the Vietnam Coast Guard focusing on search and rescue, fire prevention, and firefighting.

The visit by BRP Gabriela Silang is a significant step in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, signed in January 2024. It underscores both nations’ commitment to strengthening friendship, cooperation, and mutual trust.

The BRP Gabriela Silang is currently the most advanced offshore patrol vessel operated by the Philippine Coast Guard. The ship measures 83.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width. It features a helicopter deck and hangar capable of accommodating an Airbus H145 helicopter.

Ho Giap