The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Friday that they have received investigation tools from the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the official turnover slated in June.

In an interview during the signing event of the Philippine Coast Guard Criminal Investigation Manual, the first comprehensive guide to criminal investigation aimed to assist its law enforcement officers in proper procedure, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant, said the donation is part of the enhancement of the PCG’s Investigation and Detection Management Service.

“The equipment we have here is from the Japanese government and from the US government,” Gavan confirmed.

Investigation equipment such as cameras, fingerprint collecting equipment, and other tools were inspected by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon prior to the signing event.

Gavan thanked the Japanese government, among other foreign agencies, who continue to provide training to PCG staff.

“We would like to thank the US, Japan, Canada, and Australia government in developing our personnel to be effective law enforcers,” Gavan added.

The partnership between PCG and the Japanese government was facilitated through Commander Hiroaki Onodera of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), a long-term expert of JICA, to the PCG. Yzabela Velez-White/DMS