From Rappler (Jul 26): Navy warship arrives in August, helicopters in December
![COMING: BRP Ramon Alacaraz is expected to arrive in the Philippines August 3]( "COMING: BRP Ramon Alacaraz is expected to arrive in the Philippines August 3")
COMING: BRP Ramon Alacaraz is expected to arrive in thePhilippines
Two weeks from now, August 3, warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz(PF-16) is expected to arrive in thePhilippines Hamilton
Helicopters that will support the warship will also arrive in December. The first batch of 3Augusta
COMING: BRP Ramon Alacaraz is expected to arrive in the
Two weeks from now, August 3, warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz(PF-16) is expected to arrive in the
Helicopters that will support the warship will also arrive in December. The first batch of 3
The Philippines accused China Philippines ' case against China
Navy chief Vice Adm Jose Luis Alano said Alcaraz and the helicopters will "help greatly."
"It's part of the total system that we're using in terms of our maritime security. This forms part of the Navy's strategy to secure our territory through the active archipelagic defense strategy that we are currently formulating," Alano said.
"The first part of it is maritime situational awareness, which requires vessels like the Del Pilar and Alcarazto be able to go out there and be aware of what is happening around us," Alano added.
Modernization
Acquired for P600 million, the BRP Alcaraz is the second Hamilton class cutter from the US
In 2012, the Del Pilar was involved in the Scarborough Shoal standoff.
Alcaraz and Del Pilar are capable of conducting patrols for long periods of time. It can also withstand heavy weather and rough sea conditions.
Meanwhile, Alano said the crew of the Augusta 109 helicopters are training in Italy
"They will be part or the extension of the vessels to increase their capability for maritime surveillance," Alano said. "Helicopters will extend the range of our awareness because we have a very large area to cover," he added.
The Philippine Navy is also planning to buy two frigates although the defense department has yet to hold a bidding for the procurement. It has an allocation of P18 billion. "It's in the process now. We are coming up with the final documents for bidding," Alano said.