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PHLs new warship sails along Aurora coast

PHL’s new warship sails along Aurora coast . The BRP Ramon Alcaraz sails off the coast of Aurora province on Friday, August 2, after it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday. Filipino fishermen greeted the crew as it journeyed for Subic Bay. The 115-meter Hamilton-class cutter of the Philippine Navy is expected to be welcomed by President Benigno Aquino II on August 4. Ronald Leander

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the Philippine Navy’s second warship, is now anchored at Subic Bay after a two-month journey from the United States, the Philippine Navy said Sunday.

In a radio interview, Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the ship docked at about 7 a.m. Sunday.

“Nakaankla ang Alcaraz sa Subic Bay, nag-a-undergo siya ng quarantine Immigration and Customs procedures,” he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said the vessel’s crew members, which include 14 officers under Capt. Ernesto Baldovino and 74 enlisted personnel, are in high spirits.

Fabic said the vessel’s crew are excited to meet their loved ones in the Philippines again.

“Sa ngayon high morale sila (crew members) after nakarating ng Pilipinas after almost dalawang buwan ng paglalayag mula US…,”  he said.

The BRP Alcaraz will be formally welcomed Tuesday in ceremonies led by President Benigno Aquino. — LBG, GMA News