PNoy trumpets 2 new naval ships, plans to get 3 more

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Monday boasted the arrival of two new marine vessels acquired by the Philippine Navy.

In his speech during the Navy change of command ceremonies, Aquino trumpeted the two heavy landing ships that will bolster the amphibious and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities of the Navy and the transportation of troops and equipment.

Aquino said the new vessels, which will soon be commissioned as the BRP Ivatan and BRP Batak, will help the country's landing craft utilities and the BRP Tagbanua.

"Sila ang titiyak na kapag panahon ng sakuna, mas mabilis na ang paghahatid natin ng ayuda kabilang na ang naglalakihang equipment sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa," Aquino said.

The president said the government is planning to get three more ships for the Navy.

He said these initiatives are part of the overall goal to improve the capabilities of the military.

The two naval ships arrived at the Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Cavite City on Sunday and proceeded to the Navy Headquarters in Manila today.