PH Navy warship patrols Boracay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Philippine Navy has deployed a frigate ship and its crew in Boracay Island to intensify the maritime security operations of Joint Task Force Boracay.

                                              PHOTO LEONARD TIROL

Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Gregorio del Pilar conducted patrols around Boracay Island and its immediate vicinity and hosted on board Rear Admiral Leonard Tirol, adviser of Boracay Action Group and Caticlan port administrator Niven Maquirang.

Capt. Francisco Cacho, commanding officer of FF-15, said the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and his 100 marine officers showcased the Philippine Navy’s capabilities to respond to maritime threats and terrorism.

Currently, the Philippine Navy has two vessels docked in Caticlan port and Boracay Island. Another vessel is expected to reinforce the naval security patrol in the island this June.

Prior to Aklan deployment, the navy warship docked at Surigao and Davao for sea patrol in the northeastern Mindanao.

The former United States Hamilton-class high endurance cutter acquired by the country on May 2011 under the Excess Defense Articles and Military Assistance Act is powered by diesel engines and gas turbines.

It has also a flight deck and retractable hangar and armed with two Mk .38 Mod 2 auto cannon systems and two 20mm Oerlikon guns for close-range air threats.

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.