Philippines’ newest warship arrives

Filipino fishermen in colourful fishing boats and a navy patrol gun boat welcome the arrival of BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the second Hamilton class cutter, in Casiguran sea, Aurora province, northeastern Philippines yesterday. The Philippines has acquired two high endurance cutters from the United States as part of its effort to upgrade military capability to deter China’s aggressiveness in disputed waters in the South China Sea, according to local media.

Manila Times/Manila

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which was acquired by the Philippines from the US government, entered the Philippine waters early yesterday, Presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte told a press briefing.

The country’s second warship, she said, is expected to anchor in Subic Bay today, concluding an almost two-month journey from the US.

The Philippines acquired its first Hamilton cutter from the US Coast Guard in May 2011 and named it BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

President Benigno Aquino 3rd will welcome the Ramon Alcaraz in a ceremony at Alava Wharf at Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales on Tuesday, Valte said.

The warship has 88 officers and crew.

Three members of the Philippine Navy aboard the ship have been tweeting or blogging about their experiences on the Ramon Alcaraz, Valte said.

The ship was named after Ramon Alcaraz a Navyman who served in World War II under the direct command of General McArthur and who shot down three low-flying Japanese planes off Bataan in January 17, 1942, Valte said.