BRP Ramon Alcaraz meets sister ship in Pangasinan, heads for Subic

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the Philippine Navy's second warship, finally met with its sister ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar off Pangasinan province Saturday.

A report on state-run Philippines News Agency said the BRP Gregorio del Pilar was among the vessels that met and welcomed the Navy's new acquisition.

Philippine Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and about 30 civilian craft met the BRP Ramon Alcaraz at about 3 p.m.

Both the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and Ramon Alcaraz served as vessels in the US Coast Guard before they were acquired by the Philippine Navy.

The PNA report quoted Fabic as saying the BRP Ramon Alcaraz will now head for Subic Bay in Zambales for Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ).

Fabic said the CIQ may last until Monday.

On Tuesday, President Benigno Aquino is to lead the welcome ceremony for the Navy's ship. — LBG, GMA News