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 an armored 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]
Construction, delivery and commissioning
After completed sea trials in Yokohama, Japan, BRP Bagacay arrived at Philippine Coast Guard National Headquarters on May 31, 2018.
In November 2018, the ship was transferred to Banguingui, Sulu (originally named Tongkil) to augment the security forces in that area.[6]
In July 2021, the BRP Bagacay intercepted the motor boat Dynasty which was carrying 70 boxes of smuggled cigarettes off the coast of Zamboanga City.[7]
In late August 2021, the BRP Bagacay rescued a French national whose yacht Ouma went adrift after suffering engine trouble off the waters of Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea.[9]
In April 30, 2024 the Bagacay was on a mission to supply food and water to Filipino fishermen doing their livelihood at Scarborough Shoal inside the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines in the South China Sea when she was harassed and bombarded with water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard ships causing damage to her canopy and steel railings.[10][11]
On August 18, 2024, the ship was hulled in a maritime incident involving the PRC Navy near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, known in the Philippines as Escoda Shoal.[12]
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