Philippines eyes third warship, this time from Italy

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is looking to acquire a third warship from Italy after it acquired two from the United States, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin revealed on Wednesday.

"We are not totally relying on the US. Yes, we are looking at Europe, we're looking specifically at Italy," Gazmin said.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the first warship, was acquired by the Philippines from the US Coast Guard last year.

The second may arrive in November, Gazmin said. He said he asked US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that the US restore the weapons stripped from the first ship and turn over the second with all its armaments intact.

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Abigail Kwok | InterAksyon.com | May 9, 2012 | Article Link