Talks for possible acquisition of 3rd Hamilton-class cutter still ongoing, says PN

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 23): Talks for possible acquisition of 3rd Hamilton-class cutter still ongoing, says PN

Philippine Navy flag officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano has said that talks and discussions for the possible acquisition of a third Hamilton-class cutter is still ongoing.

"This is still in the process of contention; we are still determining the operational requirements that are seen and at the same time also determining what are the necessary resources that are available to fund this requirement," he added.

The PN has acquired two Hamilton-class cutters and is using these vessels to patrol and guard the country's vast maritime territories.

The latest acquisition, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), was commissioned last Friday.

"The decision to acquire these ships is part of an overall plan of the PN to boost its capabilities and be more efficient," Alano said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=589909