The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) is now sailing to the Philippines from Guam after stopping over in Hawaii.
According to a Philippine Star report, the Alcaraz, manned by 14 officers and 74 crew members, is armed with new guns and anti-submarine missiles and is expected to be in service by September.
The ship test fired its 76-mm Oto Melara auto-cannon and Mk.38 25-mm cannons in Florida before leaving the US for the Philippines.
In a separate statement, Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr. said he is sure the officers and crew of the Alcaraz will be ready to patrol the West Philippine Sea when it joins the Philippine fleet. “We are for peace and for the stability of the region but at the same time, we are prepared to defend what is ours,” he said.
