Navy’s 2nd ship to arrive on May 8

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippine Navy’s  brand-new ship, BRP Davao del Sur (LD602), left from an Indonesian shipyard in Surabaya on Wednesday and is on its way to Manila. 

Navy spokesman Capt. Lued Lincuna said the ship with 120 Filipino crewmembers is expected to arrive at the Manila South Harbor on May 8.

 “The commander of the Philippine fleet, Rear Admiral Gaudencio Collado, and party conducted the sail away…at around noon,” Lincuna said.

Indonesian shipbuilder PT Pal Persero used South Korean technology in building BRP Davao del Sur and BRP Tarlac, which was delivered in May last year, under a P3.8-billion contract.

 The ships are expected to boost the Navy’s maritime and territorial patrol capabilities, especially during calamities. 

BRP Tarlac was deployed for anti-terror and naval blockade operations in Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan. 

“The arrival of BRP Davao del Sur will have an impact on our (maritime and territorial) capabilities, especially on humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” Lincuna said. 

The 11,000-ton ship is 404 feet long and can accommodate 500 troops. 

The ships each have two fast patrol crafts and three transport or combat capable helicopters.