ARMED Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. yesterday formally welcomed a brand-new guided missile frigate constructed by a South Korean shipbuilder.
Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Espeleta accompanied Brawner in welcoming the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) in arrival rites at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales.
In his address, Brawner emphasized the symbolic and strategic importance of the warship, which is under the command of Capt. John Percie Alcos.
Brawner said the arrival of BRP Diego Silang is a testament to the Navy’s growing capability and proof of the military’s resolve to strengthen its defense posture.
“BRP Diego Silang is a symbol of our nation’s resolve to defend what is rightfully ours, to stand firm in the face of challenges, and to demonstrate our readiness to safeguard the interests of our people,” said Brawner.
The military is at the forefront of protecting the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea in the South China.
China has subjected Philippine government ships and aircraft, and even fishing boats, in the past years, as part of its effort to assert its claim to the area.
“The arrival of BRP Diego Silang represents a leap forward in the Philippine Navy’s strength and resolve, reinforcing the nation’s position as a vigilant guardian of its seas and a steadfast protector of its people,” a military statement said.
BRP Diego Silang, which arrived in Subic on Monday last week, is one of the two vessels ordered by the Department of National Defense from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries for P28 billion in 2021 under the AFP modernization program.
The first was delivered and subsequently commissioned as BRP Miguel Malvar last April.
The vessel will be commissioned into service after undergoing technical inspections. The Navy has yet to say when the vessel will be officially commissioned.
Once BRP Diego Silang is commissioned, the Navy will have four capital ships in its inventory, including BRP Miguel Malvar.
The two others are frigates BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna, which were acquired a few years earlier, also under the AFP modernization program.
The Navy earlier said BRP Diego Silang “will enhance the PN’s operational readiness, maritime domain protection, and capability to uphold a free, secure, and rules-based international order.”
