Philippines impressed with Indonesian-made warships

The Philippines is impressed with the warships built by Indonesias PT. PAL after two "Strategic Sealift Vessel" (SSV) ships BRP Davao Del Sur LD 602, it had ordered, anchored at its port.

"We, from the Philippines, laud and truly thank Indonesian PT. PALs products, and the weather condition was also favorable during the convoys trip," Philippines SSV Boat Task Force Commander Richard N. Gonzaga stated at the Manila Port on Monday.

He said the voyage of the second vessel was similar to the first one, as it docked safely without any major hindrance.

"We admit that this was a good voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Manila," Gonzaga remarked.

Meanwhile, Philippines Boat Crew Trainer Bonifacio Manzano also admitted that the ships engine functioned smoothly and did not experience any problems during the delivery.

"Generally, the ship engines faced no problems during the voyage, and I think it was very good," he said.

The voyage from Surabaya to Manila across Java Sea, Makassar Strait, Celebes Sea, and China Sea took around five days before docking at the Manila Port.

The voyage of the exported ship was flagged off by Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu on Tuesday (May 4) in Semarang Port, Ujung Surabaya, East Java.

Some 115 personnel from the Philippines Navy were also part of the convoy and additional 112 from PT PAL along with 22 boat crew and five catering crew.

BRP Davao Del Sur LD 602 ship is the second warship that the Philippines had ordered. The first ship was called Tarlac and had arrived safely on May 13, 2016.(*)

Source: ANTARA