Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro led the commissioning of two fast boats which were donated by the United States government to the Philippine Navy to beef up its patrol operations on the country’s territory.
During the ceremony held at the Philippine Navy heaquarters on Roxas Blvd., Manila, Teodoro considered the donation of the two former Cyclone-class patrol ships of the US Navy as a “welcome and timely” addition to the Philippine Navy fleet.
Formerly named as USS Monsoon (PC$) and USS Chinook (PC9), the two refurbished patrol boats are now christened as BRP Valentine Diaz (PS177) and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS178), respectively, in honor of two Filipino patriots who were among the founders of the Katipunan.
According to historians, Valentin Diaz, a native of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, was also a signatory in the Pact of Biak-na-Bato while Ladislao Diwa from San Roque, Cavite, played a key role in facilitating the surrender of the Spanish forces during the so-called “Philippine Revolution” in the 19th century.
In March 2023, Philippine authorities formally received the two decommissioned US patrol vessels in accordance with the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
US Ambassador the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reaffirmed their support “as the Philippines continues its courageous stand to uphold the international order and defend its rights in the West Philippine Sea.”
Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said the two patrol vessels are ready for deployment under the supervision and command of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao which has jurisdiction over the hotly contested Ayungin Shoal.