BRP Andres Bonifacio to help curb piracy, kidnapping
Philippine Navy's newly-acquired BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17) arrives in Manila on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. The ship, a former United States Coast Guard High Endurance Cutter, is expected to provide increased maritime presence throughout the Philippines’ territorial waters and its exclusive economic zone. Philippine Navy photo
MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) — Once painted naval grey, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expects the newly-arrived BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) to patrol Sulu waters and help other naval units curb kidnapping and piracy incidents in the area.
"This ship will certainly be a valuable platform in the pursuit of the constitutional mandate of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) this will strengthen the PN capabilities in raising the country's security concerns in the protection of our territorial integrity, and maritime interest," he said.
The Filipino frigate will be joining the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), the country's first strategic sealift vessel, in conducting the patrols.
The BRP Andres Bonifacio, the country's third Hamilton-class cutter, arrived at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor on December 9 after a month-long voyage from the United States.
The Philippine cutter is the former US Coast Guard's high-endurance cutter Boutwell which was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the Philippine last July 21.
Hamilton-class cutters have a gross tonnage of 3,250 tons, has a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet.
Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots and a crew of 88 officers and enlisted personnel.
The ship has cruising range of 14,000 miles and has a sea and loiter time of 45 days.
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