Article Posted on : - Aug 09, 2013

The warship has been renamed BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

SUBIC, PHILIPPINES (AP): The Philippines is adding a second major warship to its fleet to challenge China's massive territorial claims that Filipino officials say intrude in their country's potentially oil-rich seas.

President Benigno Aquino III led military and other officials on Aug 6 received the 3,250-ton former US Coast Guard cutter in ceremonies complete with a brass band and 21-cannon fire at the Subic Bay freeport.

The ship has been renamed as Philippine navy frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

A part of the former US naval base northwest of Manila will soon be turned into a Philippine military hub to shift its assets closer to the disputed islands in the South China Sea.

A 3,390-ton cutter also from the US Coast Guard became the Philippine navy's biggest warship in 2011.