Korean navy ships visit RP

MANILA, Philippines - Following the visit of the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington last week, Manila would host the visit of two foreign naval vessels from South Korea.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said the destroyer Choi Young and the logistics ship Dae Cheong would be visiting today until Thursday.

Task Group Commander Rear Admiral Kim Dong-Kyun is expected to make a courtesy call to Navy chief Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

The ships have 68 officers, 122 midshipmen, 434 enlisted men and five civilians.

The Navy’s BRP Apolinario Mabini would escort the two South Korean vessels when they arrive in Corregidor Island to Pier 13 in Manila where the ships would be docked during the entire duration of the visit.

Arevalo said among the activities lined up during the visit would be receptions and ship tours.

Arevalo added there would be no scheduled bilateral exercises between the two navies during the visit.

Last week, US servicemen on board the George Washington conducted several development projects such as the improvement of facilities at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, and the repair and painting of several elementary schools in Metro Manila.

The visit came several months after the USS Blue Ridge made a port call to the Philippines and took part in several humanitarian projects with their Filipino counterparts.

The US and the Philippines are strong allies in the campaign against international terrorism. – James Mananghaya