BRP Ramon Alcaraz visits Indonesian Navy to boost defense ties

MANILA, Philippines — After joining a multilateral military exercise in Australia, Philippine Navy ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz arrived last Tuesday in Indonesia for a three-day port visit.

Ens. John Windy Abing, public affairs officer of the Naval Task Force 80, said the visit seeks to promote camaraderie and foster goodwill with the Indonesian Navy.

Fleet-Marine Ready Force chief Commodore Jorge Amba, Sealift and Amphibious Force Commander Capt. Narciso Vingson, Naval Task Force 80 chief Capt. Albert Mogol and BRP Alcaraz Commanding Officer Capt. Ernesto Baldovino are scheduled to render courtesy calls to the chiefs of the Indonesian Military, the city mayor and the head of the Filipino community in Surabaya.

The delegation will also visit the shipyard of PT PAL Indonesia (Persero), the company that will supply strategic sealift vessels to the Philippines.

The Philippine government and PT PAL have signed a contract for the supply of two strategic vessels for the Philippine Navy.

The two ships cost P4-billion and are expected to be delivered in 2016 and 2017.

The Philippine Navy delegation will also be hosting a dinner reception for the Indonesian counterparts and Filipino community on board BRP Alcaraz.

“The ship will be open for tour during its entire stay in Indonesia,” Abing said.

Before visiting Indonesia, BRP Alcaraz participated in the Kakadu 2014 war games held at Australia from August 25 to September 12.

Kakadu, the largest international maritime exercise hosted biennially by the Royal Australian Navy, aims to enhance regional interoperability and cooperation among participants.

Twelve countries sent representatives to the exercise. Five of them - Japan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Australia and the Philippines sent ships and aircraft.

Other countries who joined the drills were Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Vanuatu, South Korea, and India will be sending personnel as observers.