BRP Alcaraz docks in Subic
SUBIC BAY, Olongapo City — The second Hamilton class frigate of the Philippine Navy, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, has safely anchored here yesterday morning, following a two- month voyage from the United States.
Before sunrise yesterday, BRP Alcaraz, with her sister ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar, sailed towards its designated anchorage area in the sprawling bay for a two- day customs and immigration procedure.
"We have to undergo quarantine proceedings," a Filipino sailor aboard BRP Alcaraz was heard telling his colleagues over BRP Del Pilar's communication system.
President Aquino, along with top military officials, will lead the welcome ceremony for the country's new warship on Tuesday at Alava port here.
A number of Philippine Navy warships, including the Peacock Class BRP Emilio Jacinto and the presidential yacht Ang Pangulo, are also set to welcome BRP Alcaraz.
"They (crew) will be very busy in the preparation of the ship for the arrival ceremony on Tuesday," Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said in a text message.
He also said the Philippine Navy would organize tours to enable the public to see the ship.
Alcaraz meets Del Pilar, dolphins
Before dropping anchor in the bay, BRP Alcaraz was welcomed by BRP Del Pilar off the coast of Bolinao, Pangasinan where the two former US Coast Guard highendurance cutters performed the time-honored Navy tradition dubbed as "meeting engagement" at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Fishermen aboard 22 small fishing boats and 11 big fishing vessels also held a regatta for BRP Alcaraz before the warship rejoined BRP Del Pilar for a 14- hour voyage to home port.
"Fishermen are the first ones to benefit from the arrival of the ship because aside from the job of PF16 ( bow number of BRP Alcaraz) to guard Philippine waters, the vessel will also serve as the salvation ship of fishermen in times of calamity," Commander Levi Carane of the civil military operations of the Philippine Navy's Naval Forces Northern Luzon said.
The warship was also "welcomed" by a group of dolphins which swam towards the vessel after the meeting in Bolinao, according to Ltjg. Errol de la Cruz.
" The ' sail past' ( ceremony) was almost completed when a huge amazement surprised us all! A group of dolphins suddenly emerged from the surface and swam towards our ship," De la Cruz wrote in the ship's online journal.