Philippine Navy's 2nd warship from US more costly

The second warship to be acquired by the Philippines from the United States (US) would cost more than the BRP Gregorio del Pilar since the government had to buy weapons and accessories that were stripped from the vessel, the Navy said.

The Navy purchased weapons and communication systems for the second warship after the US turned down a request by the Philippines to include these features in the vessel.

“We cannot demand. We also understand that they (US) also have their regulations to follow and whatever will be provided to us, we will optimize,” Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said on the sidelines of the Air Power Symposium in Pasay City on Friday.

“The government has provided us funds. The actual amount spent for the second Hamilton-class (ship) is a little bit more than what we paid for Del Pilar,” he added.

Pama was referring to BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the first warship provided by the US to the Philippines last year. The government had spent about P450 million to acquire the ship.

Pama could not tell how much had been spent for the accessories for the second warship, which will be renamed BRP Ramon Alcaraz. He, however, said the transfer costs, trainings and other expenses would definitely exceed P400 million.

The acquisition of accessories and weapons for BRP Ramon Alcaraz was funded by the proceeds from the Malampaya project funds.

The government has allotted P8.8 billion worth of Malampaya funds for the military’s capability upgrade effort. More than P5 billion of these funds has been released while the rest is expected to be handed down this year.

Pama said that about 90 Navy officers and personnel are now in Charleston, South Carolina to undergo trainings on how to maneuver the ship.

He said the Navy would also tap the Malampaya funds to acquire three helicopters that would be used to conduct aerial surveillance. The helicopters will support the warships when conducting security patrols.

He said the acquisition of BRP Ramon Alcaraz would improve the Navy’s capabilities while enhancing its maritime domain awareness.

Last year, the government acquired its first Hamilton-class vessel from the US Coast Guard to upgrade the military’s external defense capabilities.

The ship, which has been renamed BRP Gregorio del Pilar, has been deployed to the West Philippine Sea to secure energy projects in the area. It is now the Navy’s largest vessel.

The US, however, removed some of the ship’s accessories before it was turned over to the Philippines.

A second warship was turned over by the US Coast Guard to Philippine officials last May. BRP Ramon Alcaraz was named after a torpedo boat commanding officer during World War II.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is a weather high-endurance cutter and has features similar to that of BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

It was largely used by the US Coast Guard for drug and migrant interdiction, law enforcement, search and rescue, living marine resources protection, and defense readiness. The ship can accommodate up to 180 officers and sailors. - Philippine Star (June 22, 2012 5:28pm)