The Philippines’ newest warship, which sailed on Tuesday into Manila Bay after a 14,679-kilometer voyage from the United States, was hailed by President Benigno Aquino III as a symbol of the country’s determination to defend its claims in the disputed East Sea.
“This is just the beginning. Expect more good news because we will not stop at one ship,” Mr. Aquino said as the refurbished Hamilton-class cutter BRP Gregorio del Pilar dropped anchor, ending a 33-day voyage across the Pacific Ocean.

“This ship symbolizes our newly acquired ability to guard, protect, and if necessary, fight for the interests of our country,” the President said.

The 3,390-ton, 115-meter Gregorio del Pilar, a decommissioned US Coast Guard vessel, is 46 years old. It replaces a World War II-era destroyer as the country’s flagship vessel.

Mr. Aquino said the “new” flagship vessel would help protect the country’s exclusive economic zone and its oil and gas exploration activities in the contested sea.

Many of those areas are claimed by China, which insists it has sovereign rights to almost all of the disputed territory, even waters approaching the coasts of Southeast Asian countries.

Other parts of the East Sea are believed to be rich in oil and mineral resources and straddle vital sea lanes. They are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The Philippine Navy chief, Vice Adm. Alexander Pama, hailed the Gregorio del Pilar as a timely boost to the Philippines’ military power.

“[It] now symbolizes the revival of the Philippine Navy,” Pama said at the welcoming ceremony.

“The Gregorio del Pilar’s ability to operate in adverse conditions… will be vital in securing our maritime nation’s territory and asserting our sovereignty in areas where our capability is now seriously needed, he added.”

Officials said the 95 crew members of the Gregorio del Pilar impressed the US Navy with how quickly they learned how to operate one of the largest ships ever built for the US Coast Guard.

Led by Capt. Alberto Cruz, the 13 officers—three of them women—and 82 enlisted personnel trained rigorously in the United States from February before setting out for the Philippines.

China’s state-run media this month warned the Philippines it could pay a “high price” for building up its military presence in the East Sea.

Mr. Aquino spent nearly two hours in a tour of the vessel. A select group of reporters were also allowed to tour the ship. The President has set his sights on acquiring more ships, trainer fighter jets and armored personnel carriers.

He also mentioned acquiring for the Philippine Air Force defense radars, a long-range patrol aircraft and support aircraft.

He also cited the need for amphibious vessels, offshore patrol vessels, at least three naval helicopters and Coast Watch stations.

For the Army, the Philippines plans to buy new assault rifles, armored assets and force protection equipment such as helmets, bulletproof vests, night-fighting equipment and radios, Mr. Aquino said.

Inquirer