BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403)

BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) is the third ship of the Parola-class patrol vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard.

BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) during commissioning rites
History
Philippines
NameBRP Malapascua
NamesakeLighthouse Malapascua located in Malapascua Island, Cebu
Ordered29 May 2015
BuilderJapan Marine United Corporation, Yokohama, Japan
CompletedJanuary 2017
Commissioned7 March 2017
Identification
Statusin active service
General characteristics
Class and typeParola-class patrol vessel
Length44.5 m (146 ft)
Beam7.5 m (25 ft)
Draft4 m (4.0 m)
Propulsion
  • 2 × MTU 12V4000M93L 12-cylinder diesel engines,
  • Total diesel engine output: 3,460 shp (2,580 kW)
SpeedMaximum @ 25 knots (46 km/h), cruising 15 knots (28 km/h)
Range1,500 nautical miles (2,800 km)
Boats & landing
craft carried		1 × RHIB work boat
Complement25 (5 officers, 20 enlisted)
Sensors and
processing systems		Furuno FAR series X & S-band navigation radars

Design and features

The Philippine Coast Guard clarified that the ship is a law enforcement vessel and is designed to conduct environmental and humanitarian missions, as well as maritime security operations and patrol missions.[1]

The ship was designed with a bulletproof navigation bridge, and is equipped with fire monitors, night vision capability, a work boat, and radio direction finder capability.[2]

The ship will be equipped with communications and radio monitoring equipment from Rohde & Schwarz, specifically the M3SR Series 4400 and Series 4100 software-defined communication radios, and DDF205 radio monitoring equipment. These equipment enhances the ship's reconnaissance, pursuit and communications capabilities.[3]

Delivery and commissioning

The ship left Yokohama, Japan on February 27, 2017, and arrived in the Port of Manila on March 3, 2017.with CDR Garydale Gimotea being her first commanding officer.[4]

BRP Malapascua was commissioned during a commissioning ceremony held at Philippine Coast Guard headquarters in Manila on March 7, 2017, with CDR Garydale Gimotea being her first commanding officer. The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives Cong. Pantaleon Alvarez, and Department of Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade.[5]

Service history

The ship has distinguished itself in challenging missions. Notable of which are the patrols conducted in Benham Rise, Inabangga, Bohol terrorist incident. The vessel was also stationed in Mindanao conducting security patrols in the waters Basilan, Jolo, Tawi-tawi and supported the government's campaign in Marawi. Further, BRP Malapascua has resiliently responded to the people of Palawan, during the TS Vinta and TS Agaton, and saved many typhoon victims in Mangsee Island. The Officers and men of BRP Malapascua have effectively carried out the PCG mandates with dedication, competence and selflessness. This fine display of character epitomize the commitment of the true coastguardian.

On 6 February 2023, the Malapascua was on a mission to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre when it was challenged by a vessel of the China Coast Guard which pointed a laser at the Malapascua causing temporary blindness to some of her crew.[6]

References
  1. Marcelo, Elizabeth (2016-08-18). "Coast guard acquires 44-meter patrol vessel from Japan". GMA News. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  2. "LOOK: PH Coast Guard gets new rescue ship from Japan". Rappler. 2016-07-28. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  3. Scott, Richard (2016-11-04). "SDRs for Philippine Coast Guard [INDODEF16-D3]". IHS Jane's. Retrieved 2016-11-07.
  4. @PhilippineStar (7 March 2017). "BRP Malapascua commanding officer Garydale Gimotea gives the order for the commissioning of the ship" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  5. "DOTr Secretary commissions 3rd MRRV to PCG service today" (Press release). Philippine Coast Guard. 2017-03-07. Retrieved 2017-03-07.
  6. Lendon, Brad (13 February 2023). "Philippine Coast Guard says Chinese ship aimed laser at one of its vessels". CNN. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
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