The flagship vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) marked the celebration of the 127th anniversary of the Philippine Independence in a flag raising ceremony as they arrived in Japan on Thursday.

PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab confirmed the arrival of BRP Teresa Magbanua, a 97-meter multi-role response vessel (MRRV) in Kagoshima during Independence Day.

In celebration of the Philippine Independence, the crew of BRP Teresa Magbanua raised the Philippine flag in a flag raising ceremony aboard their ship.

BRP Teresa Magbanua, which is currently one of the largest and most expensive vessels of the PCG, visited Japan for scheduled maintenance and to join the trilateral maritime exercises with its US and Japanese counterparts.

BRP Teresa Magbanua, with 123 personnel onboard, departed the Philippines last June 6, following the send off ceremony led by Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Coast Guard Attache, First Secretary Shogo Oka at South Harbor, Manila.

During their stay that will last until June 20, the PCG, USCG, and JCG will conduct facility tours, mutual visits to patrol vessels, maritime exercise meetings, and capacity-building exercises which include Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) in the vicinity waters of Kinko-Bay. Robina Asido/DMS