The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the most modern warship of the Philippine Navy, drops anchor off Talisay City after arriving from Tacloban City where it was deployed as part of the security cover for Pope Francis. (CDN PHOTO/ MICHELLE JOY PADAYHAG)
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the biggest warship of the Philippine Navy had been docked at the waters of Tanke, Talisay City, Cebu since last Sunday to load up on provisions.
The vessel was reserved for Pope Francis during his visit at Tacloban City and Palo Leyte province, last weekend.
“This was chosen because it is an air-capable vessel compared to other ships,” Commodore Juario Marayag, commanding officer of the vessel, told reporters.
An AW109 helicopter unit was also on standby that would take Pope Francis on the retractable hangar of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
Media were given a tour of the vessel that included a state room which has a single bed, telephone, table with lamp shade and a Bible. It also has a toilet and a living room with TV, sofa and a large table where the pope could take his meals.
Marayag said they also deployed 200 personnel from the Philippine Navy to secure the pope.
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz is the sister ship of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15). Both ships were deployed along West Philippine Sea for territorial protection.
“Both warships will be back at West Philippine Sea as soon as the loading of provisions will be done,” Marayag said.
Anytime this week, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz will be open to public as it docks at the Cebu International Port (CIP).
Navforcen information officer Lt. James Reyes said those interested can visit their office in Looc, Lapu-Lapu city to sign the manifest.
“Dapat magpa manifest sa aming office sa Navforcen as soon as possible para ma submit yung names sa CIP for security purposes. Sa magdadala ng sasakyan, we also need their plate numbers,” Reyes told Cebu Daily News.
The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) was formerly known as the US Coast Guard (USCGC) Dallas (WHEC-716) that was commissioned in 1967 at the Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana.
She was decommissioned on March 30, 2012 and was transferred to the Philippine Navy on May 22 , 2012 at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Papa Pier, North Charleston, South Carolina in the US.
The donation is part of the Excess Defense Articles through Foreign Assistance Act between the US and Philippine governments.
Her maiden voyage from Charleston, South Carolina, USA to Philippines was from June 10 to August 6, 2013.
It was also the same warship that was also deployed in Tacloban City and Eastern Guiuan, Samar that transported 200 tons of relief goods, water, water purifiers and Navy personnel that helped rebuild the communities of the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.