*Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 *

**Remarks Following a Tour of the Philippine Navy Frigate BRP **Gregorio del Pilar** in Manila, Philippines **

*November 17, 2015 *

Good afternoon, everybody. It is wonderful to be back in the Philippines. And I want to thank Secretary Gazmin, General Iriberri, Rear Admiral Alano and Melad, Captain Sibala, and the members of the Filipino Armed Forces for welcoming me here today. I want to acknowledge the American servicemembers who are here and who are part of our unbreakable alliance.

The United States has been committed to the security of this region for more than 70 years. We have a treaty obligation, an ironclad commitment to the defense of our ally, the Philippines. You can count on the United States.

My visit here underscores our shared commitment to the security of the waters of this region and to the freedom of navigation. This watch center was built with U.S. grants. The ship that I just toured, a former U.S. Coast Guard vessel, helps the Philippines respond to disasters, perform counterterrorism missions, and patrol the South China Sea.

Today I can announce that we intend to transfer two additional ships to the Philippine Navy: a research vessel to help map its territorial waters and another U.S. Coast Guard cutter to bolster the Navy's ability to conduct long-endurance patrols. It's part of our larger plan to increase maritime security assistance to our allies and our partners across the region, $250 million over the course of 2 years. More capable navies in partnership with the United States are critical to the security of this region.

And I want to thank once again the members of the Philippine Armed Forces for their outstanding work. And, Mr. Secretary, I can tell you that after inspection, the ship looks like it's in tip-top shape. Thank you so much.

NOTE: The President spoke at 2:51 p.m. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin of the Philippines; Lt. Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo A. Iriberri, Chief of Staff, Philippines Armed Forces; Rear Adm. Jose Luis M. Alano, commander, Armed Forces of the Philippines–Philippine Fleet; Rear Adm. William M. Melad, deputy commandant, Philippines Coast Guard; and Capt. Vincent Sibala, commander, BRP *Gregorio del Pilar*.

*Categories:* Addresses and Remarks : Philippines, Navy Frigate BRP *Gregorio del Pilar*, tour in Manila*.*

*Locations: *Manila, Philippines.

*Names:* Alano, Jose Luis M.; Gazmin, Voltaire; Iriberri, Hernando Delfin Carmerlo A.; Melad, William M.; Sibala, Vincent*.*

*Subjects:* Philippines : Defense relationship with U.S.; Philippines : Manila :: BRP Gregorio del Pilar Navy frigate, tour; Philippines : President Obama's visit; Philippines : U.S. assistance.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201500816.