Manila, July 8 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) will be "very thorough" in its Joint Visual Inspection (JVI) of the Japanese Abukuma-class destroyer escorts that are being eyed for transfer to the Filipino naval service once decommissioned by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense (JMSDF), an official said Tuesday.

"We will be very thorough with the assessment that we'll be conducting. We will be inspecting six 109-meter ships, systems, weapon systems, hull, machinery," PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said in a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"This will entail a very detailed inspection, as well as a very detailed assessment and evaluation."

Alcos said the inspection team would consist of surface warfare officers and sea sys...