U.S. OKs transfer of 2nd warship to Philippines

By Associated Press

POSTED: 04:29 a.m. HST, Feb 10, 2012
LAST UPDATED: 05:17 a.m. HST, Feb 10, 2012

This file photo from July of last year shows the Philippine Navy ship BRP Gregorio del Pila, a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter.

MANILA, Philippines >> A senior U.S. official says Congress has approved the transfer of a second Coast Guard ship to the Philippines as Washington deepens its military ties with the Southeast Asian nation that has been engaged in a territorial spat with China.

Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro also promised to consider a Philippine request to have the warship turned over with as much military equipment as possible.

He told reporters Friday that the ship is just one of many defense needs that the U.S. is extending to the Philippines to help its defense treaty ally build up its navy.

He ruled out any intention to re-establish U.S. bases, a sensitive issue in the former American colony.

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Carang_da_buggahz wrote:

I'm afraid it's going to take much more firepower than a mere former USCG cutter to counter China's territorial and resource ambitions in the region. Much, much more.

on February 10,2012 | 06:48AM

cojef wrote:

Yep, but something is better than nothing in show of force or territorial rights in a disputed area.

on February 10,2012 | 07:57AM

Vivgie wrote:

War games? Will the P.I. Navy be the waterboy? See what happens when you're so corrupt? Coulda formed a Navy many years ago.

on February 10,2012 | 08:32AM

Do_you_know_SHATA wrote:

you all have it all wrong. These ships will be used on international waters as the floating Golden Coin. Who wouldn't want some home cooked meals out at sea.

on February 10,2012 | 01:23PM