Seoul to donate corvette warship to Phl Navy

MANILA, Philippines - Seoul will donate a warship to Manila in a move seen to improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), one of the weakest in the region.

South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwang-jin informed Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin about the donation during the latter’s visit to Seoul on May 30.

“The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) will decommission a Pohang-class corvette by yearend for donation to the Philippine Navy, yet another sign of the two countries’ growing defense cooperation,” the Foreign Affairs department said in a statement released Thursday.

South Korea will also provide a landing craft utility, 16 rubber boats and 200 computer units to the Philippines, one of its allies during the Korean War.

During his visit, Gazmin thanked Kim for South Korea’s contribution to the rehabilitation of areas hit by typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas.

He said Korean soldiers in Leyte are “much loved” and have established good relations with the local residents.

Kim said South Korea’s gesture is “a small token” compared with the contribution of Filipino soldiers during the Korean War.

South Korea’s humanitarian mission in typhoon-hit areas has been extended by six months and will last until December 2014.

South Korea deployed the 540-member “Araw Unit” in December to help rebuild facilities and offer medical treatment in the damaged areas in Leyte and Samar. The next batch composed of 300 soldiers is expected to arrive later this month.

Gazmin’s official visit to Seoul was held from May 29 to 31 and was meant to enhance the relationship between the Philippines and South Korea. – with Anna Bajo and Venice Amoroso