PATROL MISSIONS. Central Command chief, Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan (left photo) listens to the briefing from a Navy officer about the combat capabilities of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, during his visit on Friday (Feb. 12, 2021). The Gregorio del Pilar-class warship completed its patrol missions in Cebu and eastern seawaters of the Visayas. (Photos courtesy of Centcom and Navforcen PIO)
CEBU CITY – The BRP Ramon Alcaraz completed its patrol missions in Cebu and eastern seawaters of the Visayas on Friday with the visit of the Central Command (Centcom) chief on board the warship.
Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Centcom commander, conducted an appreciation visit to the second ship of the Gregorio del Pilar-class OPV (offshore patrol vessels) and received a briefing on the Philippine Navy ship’s capability in securing the territorial waters within the joint area of operation (JAO) in Regions 6,7, and 8.
“The presence of the patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and its conduct of maritime patrol strengthens our position against foreign and internal threats in the Visayas region,” Ancan said in a statement. .
Ancan said being part of the “peacemaker in the Visayas”, BRP Ramon Alcaraz “signifies our preparedness, and (at) the same time, the continuous effort of the AFP, particularly of the Central Command, (in maintaining) peace and continuous development in the Visayas”.
Lt. Commander Neil Rafael Ybera of Naval Forces Central, in a separate statement, said apart from the patrol missions in the eastern seawaters of the Visayas, the patrol vessel also conducted sea lines of communications (SLOCS) activities.
Before patrolling towards the Cebu seawater areas, the vessel conducted maritime territorial defense operations in the eastern seawaters of Samar Island and checked for the presence of unauthorized entry of foreign vessels to guarantee the protection of territory and local fishermen.
The warship is a high-endurance cutter formerly commissioned as United States Coast Guard Cutter Dallas and was later acquired by the government as a commissioned vessel in the Philippine Navy on Nov. 22, 2013 under the excess defense article transfer program.
The vessel is named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Filipino naval officer known for receiving a silver star medal for heroism and gallantry during World War 2.
She arrived on Feb. 10 and departed the Cebu’s pier located at the back of the Malacañang sa Sugbo (old customs house) shortly after Ancan’s visit. (PNA)
