BRP Del Pilar not being repaired, just maintenance procedure—Navy spokesman

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF15) AFP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Amid the tension between China and Philippines over the disputed waters of Scarborough Shoal, the Philippine Navy on Tuesday denied reports that the country’s warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar is undergoing repair but clarified that it underwent preventive maintenance schedule.

“It’s a regular procedure to prevent the ship from derangements. It is done to all Navy assets to prevent derangements from occurring, kasi ang alam ko sa Navy…they have to explain pagka nagkasira yung barko mo, sumadsad ka (from what I know of the Navy, they have to explain if there are malfunctions), it is very strict in the Navy,” Navy spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Omar Tonsay told reporters in a phone interview.

He added the maintenance procedure occured last week at sea, but did not reveal the location as per operational security reasons.

There were also no reported derangements to Del Pilar, although the maintenance was needed to prevent derangements, according to Tonsay.

He also could not say if it was the first time that BRP del Pilar underwent preventive maintenance schedule since it was acquired, but said that it was a “regular procedure” for all Navy assets.

He also disputed reports that the 76mm Oto Melara main gun of the 47-year-old ship is undergoing repair.

“The BRP del Pilar is operationally ready,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense is buying P247.5 million worth of fuel and lubricants for BRP del Pilar that will be funded through the General Appropriations Act and Quick Response Fund.

The pre-bid conference is open to all interested parties, with a payment of a P50,000 bidding fee on May 17 at the Department of National Defense Conference Room.

The formal bid opening will be on May 29.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the DND Bids and Awards Committee, the DND said.