DND cancelled acquisition of third Hamilton Class Cutter

 

MANILA, Philippines-- The Department of National Defense (DND) through undersecretary for finance Fernando Manalo announced yesterday that DND will no longer be acquiring the long planned third cutter from United States.

Usec Manalo stated that the funds intended for the acquisition of the third cutter will be used instead to support additional requirements for the acquisition of two modern frigates. DND is in the process of acquiring two brand new missile firing frigate to boost the country's maritime defense.

Philippine Navy commissioned it's first Hamilton Class Cutter BRP Gregoryo Del Pilar  last December 14, 2011. The second cutter BRP Ramon Alcaraz who arrived recently is on month long drydocking for repainting and refitting and scheduled to be commissioned in October.

The Hamilton Class Cutters are the largest and advanced floating assets of the Philippine Navy to date.