Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday confirmed its interest in entering into an agreement with global shipbuilders and Australian defense contractor Austal regarding the proposed offshore patrol vessels (OPV) from the Philippine Navy (PN). He said he wanted to develop an agreement with the company, which has a local subsidiary, Austal Philippines, which operates in Balamban, Cebu.
"As far as I know, I like it because it can be built in the Philippines using Filipino labor," the DND chief said in an interview with GMA News Digital.
Also, Lorenzana said that the proposed agreement would further develop the country's relations with Australia.
"It's very good to develop relationships with our neighbors. Australians are willing to help us," he added.
Lorenzana had previously increased the possibility of Austal's participation in the OPV project last year.
The head of the DND also stressed that Austal Philippines had volunteered to build the proposed OPV.
"They voluntarily built our patrol boat offshore. We are investigating it," he added.
Austal offers a larger version of the 80-meter Cape class patrol boat used by the Australian Navy and the Australian Border Force.
OPV is part of the Horizon Two Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
About six units will be purchased for the Philippine Navy.
Source : pna.gov.ph.
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