Gov’t renews vow to end tensions in West Phl Sea

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will exert all efforts to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea but at the same time defend the country’s territory, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. said yesterday.

Cuisia told the officers and crew of the country’s newest warship, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), on the eve of its departure for Manila that the Philippines would defend its territory if needed.

“There are some tensions in the West Philippine Sea and this may put you in harm’s way but there is no doubt that you will perform your duty of protecting Philippine territory if needed,” Cuisia told the officers and crew of Alcaraz during his visit to the ship at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in the US on Sunday.

“We do not want to see a confrontation and we are hoping that diplomatic efforts would ease these tensions,” Cuisia said. “We are for peace and for the stability of the region but at the same time, we are prepared to defend what is ours.”

Cuisia told Capt. Ernesto Baldovino and the officers, men and women of Alcaraz that they are all expected to live up to the reputation of Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a World War II hero, in whose honor the warship was named.

Alcaraz was credited for downing three enemy aircraft while commanding the Q112 Abra, a 55-foot offshore patrol boat, during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines.

Alcaraz was captured and imprisoned by the Japanese but survived the war and went on to serve in the Navy, retiring as commodore in 1966. He passed away in 2009.

“Ramon Alcaraz had a very distinguished record in serving our country and our people. You are expected to live up to his reputation,” Cuisia said.

The 378-foot Alcaraz is the second weather high endurance cutter (WHEC) that the Philippines acquired from the US last year.

Alcaraz was commissioned in 1968 and served with the US Coast Guard as the USCGC Dallas until it was decommissioned and turned over to the Philippines in May.

The ship left the US at 10 a.m. on Monday on her journey to the Philippines.

The BRP Alcaraz was acquired by the Philippines under the Excess Defense Article and Military Assistance Program with the US.

The first Hamilton-class cutter BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF15) was turned over to the Philippine Navy in May 2011.

Farewell reception

During his visit, Cuisia also expressed his appreciation to the US government for transferring the cutter to the Philippine Navy.

He thanked the US Navy and the US Coast Guard for retrofitting the vessel at a cost of $15.6 million.

“We look forward to the Alcaraz joining its sister ship, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar,” Cuisia said, referring to the other Hamilton-class cutter earlier acquired from the US in 2011.

“We look forward to further upgrading the capabilities of the Philippine Navy,” he said.

The vessel is expected to arrive in the Philippines in the first week of August.

Cuisia wished Baldovino and his crew a safe journey to the Philippines and told them the Navy has a special place in his heart, having served as Naval Reserve Corps commander during his time at De La Salle University Manila.  –  With Evelyn Macairan, Mike Frialde