Navy flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar in Subic for repair

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy (PN) flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar that ran aground in the vicinity of Hasa Hasa Shoal while on patrol mission last week arrived in Subic Bay before noon yesterday.

“The extent of the damage and cost of repair will be determined as soon as the inspection has been completed,” Cmdr. Jonathan Zata, Navy spokesman, said.

Zata said a special investigation committee was created to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The starboard or right side of the ship hit one of the submerged land in the shoal. While the impact did not seriously affect the hull or engine, some of the ship’s operating systems, such as secondary side propellers, were damaged.

Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr. of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force will head the investigating panel.

“The committee is backed up by a technical staff and experts to enable a more through and in-depth inquiry. The result of the investigation will be submitted to the Flag Officer-in-Command as soon as completed,” Zata said.

Sources said it is standard operating procedure  that the captain and his crew would be relieved pending the result of an investigation.

“The priority... is to determine the cause... and ensure that appropriate actions are undertaken to avoid similar incidents... The ship’s expeditious restoration to operational status is the intended outcome of its dry docking and repair,” Zata said.