WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana joined the officers, men, and women of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in welcoming the newly acquired Philippine Navy ship in its visit here in Zamboanga City.
The arrival ceremony was held at the Zamboanga City Pier at 9am yesterday (November 4).
BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) is an 88.3 meters long ship with a beam of 10 meters and draft of 2.9 meters that can accommodate 118 personnel and can sustain operational presence for 20 days.
“My warm and heartfelt welcome to the men and women of this ship headed by its Commanding Officer, Capt. Marco Buena to the Asia’s Latin City and the Sardines Capital of the Philippines,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana during his remarks.
The acquisition of BRP Conrado Yap stemmed from the generosity of the South Korea government propelled by the strong relationship of the Philippine Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy that goes beyond friendship through the years.
The ship was named after a gallant Filipino military leader, Conrado Yap, who served in the Korean War as part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea. He was a captain of the Philippine Army who was considered as the most decorated Filipino Soldier during the Korean War.
“This ship is the 1st modern corvette and the most heavily-armed unit and the “most powerful ship” of the Philippine Navy to date because of its sonars and torpedo launchers capable of anti-submarine warfare,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.
Also present during the activity were Zamboanga City 2nd District Councilor John Dalipe and other invited guests.
“The capability upgrade program of the AFP is relentlessly pursued to modernize all its branches so that it could effectively secure the Philippine territory and uphold the integrity of our archipelagic nation.
“Moreover, we are certain that with everyone’s high sense of patriotism coupled with our firm commitment in promoting a culture of peace, we as a sovereign nation shall continue to grow in steady and sustainable manner,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana concluded.
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