PRESIDENT Aquino said on Tuesday the arrival of the country’s first Hamilton-class Cutter, aptly named BRP Gregorio del Pilar, “signals” its improved capability of protecting its territorial waters.
Mr. Aquino, who toured the vessel upon its arrival at Pier 13 at South Harbor, said the arrival of the ship provides new “vigor and hope to the Armed Forces.”
“This modern ship symbolizes our readiness to protect, guard, and if necessary, defend the interest and welfare of our country,” he said.
The President said the vessel, which was turned over by the US government to the Philippine government in May, would be used by the Naval Forces West, “increasing its capacity to patrol and protect our Philippine exclusive economic zone and the DOE [Department of Energy] service contract areas.”
Energy Secretary Rene Almendras said the government hopes to activate 15 service contracts in the West Philippine Sea, also known as South China Sea.
The President said the vessel “will not only help in preventing inbound and outbound illegal drugs in the country, but also in search-and-rescue operations, the protection of marine resources and the pursuit of criminal elements attempting to enter the archipelago.”
Mr. Aquino said in an interview that Navy officials recommended the vessel name, Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest general who fought in the Philippine-American war, led his men to battle despite meager resources.
“It is appropriate, given the situation of Gregorio del Pilar who had 60 men against 500 enemies, in a mission to protect the head of state, head of government. He did not waver in his dedication despite the odds, which is like one to 10,” he said.
Mr. Aquino said when he entered office, the Navy had 132 ships protecting 36,000 nautical miles and “potential resources, be it oil or natural gas in so many places in the country.”
He said with the arrival of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the country would not only have to rely on just valor to protect its territorial waters.
Asked what other assets the AFP would acquire, he said there would be lead-in jet trainers, surface attack craft, air defense radars, long-range patrol aircraft and closed air support aircraft for the Air Force.
For the Navy, he said he wants strategic sea-lift vessels with amphibious vessels, offshore patrol vessels, naval helicopters, coast watch stations and weather-heavy endurance cutters; for the Army, new assault rifles, armored personnel carriers, and protective gear and equipment.
Asked if he foresees the acquisition of a submarine within his term, the President said this “is being studied by our Navy—whether or not practical, whether or not it meets our needs.”
The President also thanked the ship’s crew, led by Capt. Alberto Cruz, who spent three weeks at sea for the voyage home from the United States to the Philippines; and to the US government for its “solidarity with the Philippines” in the latter’s objectives.
The President noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty, and that bilateral ties have grown “even deeper.”
“This day is truly historic, not only for the continued improvement of the capability of our Armed Forces, but also in the new steps being undertaken by the United States and the Philippines toward a more meaningful cooperation to meet the challenges of modern times,” he said.
