BRP Melchora Aquino(MRRV-9702) is the second ship of the Teresa Magbanua class of patrol vessels operated by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The service officially classifies her as a multi-role response vessel (MRRV). At almost 97 meters long, she is one of the largest, and most modern vessels of the PCG.
She was named after Melchora Aquino, a Filipino revolutionary during the Spanish colonial period.[4]
The vessel has a length of 96.6 meters (316 ft 11 in), a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph), and has a complement of 67 officers and crew members. She is powered by two 6,600-kilowatt (8,900 hp) diesel engines.[1] She has a helideck, and a hangar that can accommodate the H145T2 helicopter of the PCG. She also has a hyperbaric chamber for those who have diving sickness and a survivor room that can accommodate those who will be rescued.
The ship was launched on the November 18, 2021, which was held by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard attended the short ceremony virtually.[10]
History
The ship was officially accepted into service less than two weeks after arriving in the Philippines. On June 12, 2022, the Philippine Coast Guard held the commissioning ceremony at the South Harbor.[4]