Japan Coast Guard (JCG) ship Shikishima arrived in Manila on Friday for a three-day port visit, which includes joint maritime training with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Shikishima, a 150-meter long-range patrol vessel, was welcomed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) during the arrival ceremony at Pier 15 around 3 pm

The vessel proceeded to Manila after its participation in the 24th Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (Marpolex) 2026 in Bitung and Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia from October 8 to 12.

Upon arrival some members of the PCG were given a chance to tour the ship which was followed by a courtesy call to Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan at the PCG headquarters.

Commodore Algier Ricafrente, Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center director, noted that "for this year, this is the second time that the Japan Coast Guard vessel visited" the country.

Ricafrente said the visit of JCG will include a joint maritime anti-piracy exercise that will be held near Corregidor Island on Sunday.

"we are strengthening our regional cooperation," he said.

During the drill, Shikishima will be joined by one 97-meter and one 44-meter multi-role response vessels of the PCG.

The Japanese patrol vessel is expected to leave the country after the completion of the anti-piracy exercise on Sunday. Robina Asido/PHS