IN PHOTOS: Obama tours BRP Gregorio del Pilar

MANILA, Philippines — American President Barack Obama on Tuesday toured the BRP Gregorio del Pilar hours after his arrival at the Villamor Airbase.

He said the visit underscored the “shared commitment” of the Philippines and the United States to secure the waters of the region and freedom of navigation.

“The ship that I just toured. a former US Coast Guard vessel, helps the Philippines respond to disasters, perform counter terrorism missions and patrol the South China Sea,” Obama said.

Alano said BRP Gregorio del Pilar was chosen as the venue of the visit because it was the first frigate donated by the US to the Philippines.

Alano said Obama and crew members of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar discussed about the performance of the ship as well as its missions in the Philippine exclusive economic zone, territorial waters and disaster-hit areas.

The US president stayed inside the ship for about 30 minutes.

Also present during the tour were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri, and BRP Gregorio del Pilar commanding officer Capt. Vincent Sibala. — with AJ Bolando