Amid tension between the Philippines-China over the West Philippine Sea territory, United States gives its utmost support to maintain the country’s strength despite of armed forces lack of military hardware capability.
Today, I can announce that we intend to transfer two additional ships to the Philippine Navy.
The first ship is R/V Melville, mainly used for scientific research and oceanographic research vessel. Second is the Boutwell , a US Coast Guard Cutter bound for decommissioning later this year.
Two vessels had been declared to be given to the Philippines by the United States of America, personally announced by his Excellency Barack Obama last November 2015 during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) event, in which the Philippines is the host country.
President Barack Obama delivered his message at maritime security event aboard the Philippine Navy PF-15 BRP Gregorio del Pilar (a ex-US Coast Guard Cutter), near National Coast Watch Center in Manila Harbor. US also provided the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, also an ex-US Coast Guard Cutter which sails the two largest fleet of the Philippine Navy warship so far.
Our visit here underscores our shared commitment to the security of waters of this region and freedom of navigation,” President Obama said.
The Philippines is holding strong to US commitment of friendship, for we cannot battle alone a huge country and populace, we held on strong with resin glue to the strongest country in the world, United States of America.
