BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF 15) carrying the Naval Task Group 80.5 arrived in Davao City Thursday, May 25 after its participation in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition or the IMDEX Asia 2017 held in Singapore on May 16-18, 2017.
It also participated earlier during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) from May 11-19, 2017.
The Hamilton-class frigate of the Philippine Navy and its crew were welcomed by Mayor Sara Duterte at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City.
In her speech, Mayor Sara said that Davao City is honored that the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar has chosen to dock in Davao City. She added that the participation of the Philippine Navy in the IMDEX Asia 2017 “will open doors for growth and innovation that will benefit the Philippine Navy and the rest of the country.”
With the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, Sara said last Thursday that “there is a need to strengthen the capacity of the Armed Forces and the law enforcement units and the presence of the Navy’s flagship here in the city will certainly help guarantee that the rule of law is given due importance.”
The Philippine Navy acquired the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar from the United State Coast Guard through the Excess Defense Articles and the Foreign Assistance Act. The former USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715) was decommissioned by the United States on March 28, 2011.
The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar was formally transferred to the Philippines on May 13, 2011 at the transfer ceremony on Coast Guard Island. Captain Alberto A. Cruz became its first commanding officer.
