MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Patrol Vessel Shikishima (PLH31) at Port Area, Manila, on October 16, 2026, marking the start of a four-day port call in the country. The vessel arrived after taking part in the Maritime Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2026 in Bitung, Indonesia. It carries a JCG delegation led by Vice Commandant for Operations, Vice Admiral Yoshikatsu Yamato.
Upon arrival, delegation members and PCG leadership toured the patrol vessel. The JCG delegation also paid a courtesy call to PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, who is also Chairperson of the ReCAAP ISC Governing Council. The PCG said the call highlighted the mutual respect and strong operational ties between the two maritime organizations.
During the vessel's stay, a series of engagements will be held to enhance operational readiness and bilateral relations. The PCG, JCG, and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) are set to hold a tri-meeting to refine operational coordination. It will culminate in an At-sea Joint Training Exercise on Anti-piracy on October 18, 2026.
The port call runs through October 19, 2026, and builds on commitments reaffirmed during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s State Visit to Japan, which emphasized continuous joint training, capacity-building, and interoperability across the region.
Shikishima was commissioned on March 3, 2025, and is stationed at the Kobe Coast Guard Office. The ship is 150 meters long and 17 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 6,500. It carries two 40-mm cannons and two 20-mm cannons, and has helideck space for up to two helicopters.
Source: Philippine Coast Guard (official Facebook page)