(UPDATED) President Barack Obama visits a PH warship even as his government pledges $79M in assistance to bolster the Philippines' maritime security
PLEDGING SUPPORT. US President Barack Obama (R) speaks following a tour of the BRP Gregario Del Pilar in Manila Harbor in Manila on November 17, 2015 after arriving to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP
(4th UPDATE) – US president Barack Obama visited Pier 13, South Harbor in this city on Tuesday, November 17, to meet with Philippine defense and military officials, check the navy’s flagship vessel, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, and pledge his nation's "ironclad" commitment to its longtime ally.
"The
In his speech before defense and military officials at South Harbor on Tuesday afternoon, Obama pledged to provide the Philippines 2 ships, according to reports.
However, the two US warships now with the Philippine Navy – BRP Del Pilar and BRP Alcaraz – were not given by America. It was purchased by the Philippine military.
Fastest ship
The Philippine government bought the Hamilton class cutter early in 2011 for approximately $13 million (P450 million) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
In early 2014, the Philippine Navy started pushing for the purchase of its 3rd Hamilton class cutter from the US.
Obama arrived shortly before noon Tuesday for the APEC Leaders' Summit.
His visit to the South Harbor came at a time when the US military is flexing its military muscle in territories disputed by China and its Asian neighbors. The Philippines is in a maritime dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea.
US officials have said that the visit seeks to highlight US commitment to regional maritime security, as a "showcase" of US-Philippine maritime cooperation.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.