PH Navy tests newly acquired ship before deployment

The BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) (Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy will carry out an endurance test for its newest acquisition, the BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), before it deploys the warship.

Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said the vessel would navigate around the Philippines to establish its readiness.

“Paikutin namin sa buong Pilipinas [It will go around the Philippines]. It will go to Palawan, Cebu, Mindanao, the eastern part of the country, sa Philippine Rise, then babalik na [it will return],” he told reporters in a press briefing Wednesday.

When the ship is finally ready for deployment, it will be sent to the West Philippine Sea or the Mindanao area.

“We can deploy her to the West Philippine Sea, Wescom (Western Command) area. Dalawa lang ang pwede [It’s either], Wescom or Mindanao,” Empedrad said.

“Sa Mindanao, kung may gumalaw na terorista or threats, very accurate, automated ang baril. Tatama kahit sa napakaliit na barko na dumadaan ,” he added.

[In Mindanao, if there are terrorists or threats, its guns are automated, very accurate. They can hit ships no matter how small.]

The BRP Conrado Yap, a former Pohang-class corvette of South Korea, is the currently the Philippine Navy’s most capable warship. It arrived in the country last week.

/atm