PNoy to lead welcome rites for BRP Alcaraz

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the welcome rites in Subic on August 6, Tuesday, of the country's second newly acquired Hamilton-class cutter from the United States, the Palace announced.
The BRP Alcaraz, the second warship from the US, has arrived in the country and is expected to dock in Subic tomorrow, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday.
The BRP Alcaraz sailed for less than a month from San Diego, California going to the Philippines with a stop in Hawaii, Guam, Valte said. The ship left California on July 6 and has entered Casiguran, Aurora, Friday morning. It will be in Subic tomorrow, Saturday.
Asked by reporters about its part in the ongoing territorial row with China, Valte said the Philippines isn't thinking of matching China's military power and the acquisition of the new warship is part of the country's modernization of the armed forces.
"The step by step upgrading that we are getting in pursuing the modernization in the military has to be done also with an eye to the other programs that we have, given that we have limitations in budget," Valte said.
"It's very calibrated, it's very objective, unti-unti talaga. Hindi naman katulad nung gusto nung iba na biglaan, that we will be purchasing left and right; it has to be very objective and calculated procurement to upgrade what we have now," he added.
The warship was named after Ramon Alcaraz, a member of the Philippine Navy, who fought alongside the US forces during the Second World War.
Alcaraz was born on August 31, 1915 and graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) under Class 1940.
During World War II, Alcaraz was part of the offshore patrol of the Philippine Navy serving under the direct command of General Douglas McArthur.
He showed his gallantry in battle when he shot down three low-flying Japanese planes off Bataan in January 17, 1942.
After the war, Alcaraz returned to offshore patrolling and helped for the modernization of the Philippine Navy.
He went to the US after leaving the Navy and became part of several movements advocating equity and justice for Filipino war veterans. He was part of the Movement for Free Philippines in Los Angeles until his last days.
Although living in the US, Alcaraz never forgot his roots and love of country.
Commodore Alcaraz died on June 25, 2009, in Orange County, California. (PNA)

Last Modified: 2025-Jan-26 04:56