Spanish Navy visits Manila

FIRST TIME IN 121 YEARS They will proceed to Baler Bay in Quezon Province for the V Centenary commemoration on the first circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan

The Philippine Navy (PN) yesterday led the welcome ceremony for the Spanish Navy ship Mèndez Nuñez at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila.

The three-day goodwill visit marked the first time that a Spanish Navy ship has traversed the waters of Cavite and Manila 121 years after the infamous Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 during the Spanish-American War, which ended the former’s colonial rule over the Philippines for more than three centuries.

It is customary for the PN to designate a Philippine vessel to meet with the Spanish ship at the vicinity of Corregidor Island and subsequently escort it to its berthing area.

“On behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad, we would like to welcome the officers and enlisted personnel of the Spanish Navy led by its head of mission, Commander Antonio Gonzalez del Tanago de la Lastra, commanding officer, Mendez Nunez (F-104),” Cmdr. Kenneth Lozañes, Empedrad’s representative, said during the welcome ceremony.

“The presence of this Spanish Navy vessel and its contingent underscores the continuing efforts of the Philippines and Spain to strengthen the relationship between our governments and navies,” he added.

In the next three days, there will be a series of confidence-building activities, such as cultural and sports exchange, ship’s tour, reciprocal receptions, courtesy

calls and send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise.

“We hope our friends here will learn a lot with this visit and hopefully enjoy their visit and feel the warm hospitality that we are known for. Again, welcome to the Philippines at mabuhay tayong lahat,” he added.

The commanding officer of the Mendez Nuñez and his party are scheduled to have a courtesy call on Empedrad at the PN headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

After the conclusion of their interaction tomorrow, they will proceed to Baler Bay in Quezon Province for the V Centenary commemoration on the first circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano and the arrival of Spain in the Philippines.