MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday went to Subic, Zambales to inspect Japan’s largest naval ship and a guided missile destroyer, which are in the country for a four-day goodwill visit.
Duterte arrived at the Alava Pier, Subic Bay Freeport Zone at 4:30 p.m. to tour JS Izumo, Japan’s biggest warship since World War II.
The president was accorded a guard of honor by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. He was also received by Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa and Escort Flotilla One Commander RAdm. Yoshihiro Goka,.
Capt. Yoshihiro Kai, commanding officer of JS Izumo, and Commander Hirotaka Okumura of JS Sazanami were also at the reception rite.
Duterte said he was the first foreign head of state to board JS Izumo. He was given and briefing on the ship's facilities and capabilities by R.Adm. Goka and signed the guest book.
The president also said the ship would be a big help in humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts.
Aside from helicopter carrier JS Izumo, guided missile destroyer JS Sazanami is also in the country for a four-day goodwill visit.
—Rosette Adel