Navy’s new ship docks in Davao City

THE Barkong Pilipinas (BRP) Gregorio del Pilar (FF15), a frigate ship of the Philippine Navy, docked in Sasa Wharf, Davao City after its participation in the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (Imdex) Asia 2017 held in Singapore.

The Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5 with 236 navy onboard of the ship led by its commander Captain Donn Anthony Miraflor were welcomed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Eastern Mindanao Command deputy commander Brigadier General Gilbert Gapay, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Mindanao Captain Ramil Roberto Enriquez and Fleet-Marine Ready Force Commander Commodore Albert Mogol and other officials and members.

In her message, Duterte-Carpio congratulated the NTG 80.5 for their successful participation in Imdex and said that their learning there will “open doors for growth and innovation” in the maritime security landscape to protect the country against lawless armed groups, piracy, rebellion and other threats.

“Kudos to our servicemen,” she said.

The visit of BRP Gregorio del Pilar, after being the country’s contingent from Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Golden Jubilee Celebration themed as “RSN50: Maritime Nation, Maritime Force” from May 11 to 19, is part of the Philippine Navy’s 119th-anniversary celebration.

Duterte-Carpio added that as Mindanao is now under the state of martial law, it is only apt to step up efforts in intensifying the naval assets for better and effective maritime security.

“With the recent developments and the declaration of Martial Law here in Mindanao, now more than ever, there is a need to strengthen the capacity of our Armed Forces and law enforcement units, and the presence of the Navy’s flagship here in the city will certainly help guarantee that the rule of law is given due importance,” she added.

She also said she hoped that their docking in Davao City will inspire Dabawenyos to be more patriotic and have a better appreciation of the efforts of the naval forces.

Duterte-Carpio said the naval security of the Davao City is under the Joint Task Force Haribon, who has been monitoring the Davao Gulf.

The mayor said she is committed to support the naval team in the eastern Mindanao in their modernization effort to further strengthen their security.

“I understand from the representative of General Gapay and Colonel Enriquez na kung pwede madagdagan ang mga (if we could add) troops ng (of) Navy and equipment of Navy. From their assessment, there is a need. We could only support and endorse their request for additional troops from the Navy in the city and EMC (Eastern Mindanao Mindanao),” Duterte-Carpio said.

Gapay said this fleet is a huge help in combating terrorism because some lawless armed group also use the sea for their transport.

“Kaya I’m sure that this asset will be committed in the total asset in addressing various security challenges especially terrorism not only EMC but in the entire country,” he said.

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