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PCG gets 2 new rescue choppers

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz

October 16, 2020, 2:30 pm

<p><strong>NEW RESCUE HELICOPTER.</strong> One of two new Airbus H145 helicopters of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The PCG said each helicopter costs PHP685 million and will mainly be used in its humanitarian and disaster response operations. <em>(Photo courtesy of PCG)</em></p>

NEW RESCUE HELICOPTER. One of two new Airbus H145 helicopters of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The PCG said each helicopter costs PHP685 million and will mainly be used in its humanitarian and disaster response operations. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has received two new Airbus H145 light twin-engine helicopters, boosting the maritime organization’s disaster response and humanitarian activities.

Each helicopter costs PHP685 million and was built and designed in Germany.

One of the helicopters was earlier commissioned on June 18, 2020, while the other was commissioned during the 119th anniversary of the PCG on Wednesday.

“CGH-1451 and CGH-1452 are equipped with high-frequency radios, emergency flotation gears, as well as fast-roping, cargo sling, searchlight, and electro-optical systems to perform critical missions including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and maritime patrol operation,” the PCG said in a statement on Facebook.

At this time of the pandemic, the choppers will be useful in transporting personal protective equipment sets, medical supplies, and medicines to far-flung areas and coastal communities, it said.

“Above all, said aerial assets will significantly enhance PCG's capabilities in upholding maritime law enforcement, maritime search and rescue, maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection in service to the Republic of the Philippines,” the PCG said. (PNA) 

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