By Kristine Mae Casampol

The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15) offshore patrol vessel's repairs are expected to be completed by the end of December.

"The ship's repair is already 70 percent complete, with a projected completion date in the last week of December 2021," said Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza in a message to the Philippine News Agency Wednesday night, Dec. 15, when asked for an update on the naval vessel.

The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar had dock and sea trials in the last week of November.

"Another sea trial will be scheduled upon correction of noted deficiencies (if any) found on the previous sea trial," Negranza said.

Despite the fact that the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is undergoing maintenance, he informed the public that the PN "vigilantly stands guard at our borders, effectively safeguarding Philippine waters".

After the ship's grounding off Hasa-Hasa Shoal in August 2018, one of the ship's two variable pitch propellers, as well as the propeller hub, was damaged.

Negranza previously stated that the drydocking and other relevant repairs on the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar would be completed by September.

Difficulties obtaining parts and the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic have pushed the completion of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar repairs until the end of 2021.

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