Sufficient naval assets to cover WPS despite assignment of 2 PN largest warships to APEC

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): Sufficient naval assets to cover WPS despite assignment of 2 PN largest warships to APEC

Despite the assignment of the country's two most modern warships for security and hosting duties during the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting, the Philippine Navy (PN) has more than sufficient vessels and assets to patrol the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This was disclosed by PN spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in a message to the PNA.

"Yes, we have sufficient assets to continue the Navy mission at the WPS. This is the benefit of careful operational planning in our every task," he added.

Considering that the APEC is an international event, Arevalo said the PN is part of the planning and execution of security for the delegates which they have provided for the core tasks and had to perform including those of the WPS.

The two vessels are the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), two former US Coast Guard cutters which the PN converted into frigates.

The two Filipino vessels are the largest ships in the PN fleet.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is now part of the task force implementing the 'no-sail' zone in Manila Bay while BRP Gregorio Del Pilar will be hosting the party where US President Barrack Obama is attending Tuesday afternoon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=828078