The Philippine Coast Guard will install heavy artilleries on its ships patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in light of constant harassment by Chinese vessels. PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said the heavier weaponry will be set up on the two 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRV), the BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino. “In terms of weapon system, the Coast Guard has scheduled the installation of the 30-millimeter remote-controlled stabilized naval gun system on our 97-meter vessels,” Tarriela said in his remarks during the commemoration of the 9th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Espiritu, R. (2025, July 12). PCG arms ships patrolling WPS with heavier guns. Manila Standard, p. A3.