Repairs on BRP Gregorio Del Pilar likely finished by 2nd quarter of 2020 — Navy

The repairs on the Philippine Navy's BRP Gregorio del Pilar could be finished by the second quarter of 2020, Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said Wednesday.

"Doon sa Del Pilar, 'yung problema lang diyan is 'yung propeller niya saka 'yung isang very important part of the ship that was damaged during grounding," Empedrad told reporters.

"Baka maayos 'yun on the second quarter of 2020, we are trying to speed up kasi kailangan natin 'yung Del Pilar..." he added.

The said Navy's frigate ran aground at a shoal in the West Philippine Sea off Palawan in August 2018.

The military had said the vessel was conducting a routine patrol mission when it ran aground. No one was hurt in the incident.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar was transferred to the Philippine Navy in 2011, through the US excess defense article program. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News