Mexican navy ship makes first port call in PH

The Mexican Navy’s ARM Cuauhtémoc. PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE NAVY

ARM Cuauhtémoc (BE-01), a Brick Barc sailing ship of the Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico), docked in South Harbor on Friday, marking the first time that a Mexican navy ship visited the Philippines.

The Mexican ship is in the country until August 8 for a goodwill visit.

“The visit is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations. Further, it is deemed to attest the renewed long-standing ties that join Mexico and the Philippines together, not only as partners but as sister nations,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement.

The arrival of the ship also coincides with the vessel’s 35th anniversary and the centenary of the promulgation of the Mexican Constitution.

The sailing crew is headed by Commanding Officer Capt. Rafael Lagunes Arteaga. Because it was a ship that trains future officers of the Mexican Navy, it also brought along 40 cadets from the Heroic Navy Military School of Mexico.

The Philippine Navy’s BRP Rajah Humabon rendered customary welcome procedures at the Corregidor Island and escorted the vessel to its designated berthing area.

“(Philippine Navy) delegates then accorded the visiting navy a welcome ceremony upon arrival followed by a port briefing related to security and health aboard the Mexican vessel,” the Navy said.

The visiting Mexican navy personnel are scheduled with various activities with their Filipino counterparts such as courtesy call on the Flag Officer in Command, reciprocal receptions and goodwill games.

The ship will also be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the Navy said. IDL