BRP Alcaraz in Zamboanga for ‘show the flag’ mission

From GMA News (Sep 24): BRP Alcaraz in Zamboanga for ‘show the flag’ mission

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the Navy's second frigate, is now in Zamboanga City for a "show the flag" activity to encourage patriotism and national pride.

The Alcaraz had arrived from its participation in Multilateral Naval Exercise Kakadu 2014 in Australia and port visit to Surabaya, Indonesia.

"The 'Show the Flag' [mission] in Zamboanga included activities such as open house, Thanksgiving Mass, and courtesy calls to the heads of Western Mindanao Command and Naval Forces Western Mindanao, courtesy call to the city mayor," the Philippine Navy said on its Facebook page Tuesday.

Also, it said such an activity seeks to encourage citizens to work for peace and development, "based on the principles of justice, human dignity and the well-being of all people."

Zamboanga City residents are still recovering from the effects of a failed siege by followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari one year ago.

Captain Albert Mogol, Commander of Naval Task Force 80 and Captain Ernesto Baldovino, Commanding Officer of Ramon Alcaraz, are to turn over to Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar goods and books donated by the Filipino Australian Association in Northern Territory (FAANT) for those affected by the failed siege.

At the open house, Zamboanga City residents may board the ship for a guided tour.

The tour aims to promote peace and develop friendly relations among the communities where PF-16 will dock.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/380582/news/nation/brp-alcaraz-in-zamboanga-for-show-the-flag-mission