Philippine warship from Korea starts trial

ONE of two warships that the Philippines ordered from South Korea was already out on trial and would likely be delivered to Manila by May, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said yesterday.

The second frigate from Hyundai Heavy Industries was likely to be delivered seven months later, Mr. Lorenzana, who accompanied President Rodrigo R. Duterte on his trip to Busan, told a briefing livestreamed from there.

The first warship due in May is the first combat ship acquired for the Philippine Navy as part of a plan to modernize the Armed Forces.

The government was also planning to buy corvettes and was still working out the multibillion-peso deal with Seoul, Mr. Lorenzana said, adding that Manila was hoping for generous financing.