THE Philippine Navy has launched an investigation into the damage sustained by one of its guided missile frigates last week in Malaysia, where it took part in a maritime exercise.
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Arlene Martinez said any possible sanction against the commanding officer of BRP Antonio Luna will depend on the result of the probe.
“Usually, if there’s an incident, whether it’s minor or major, there will always be an assessment and investigation that will be conducted,” said Martinez.
On whether there is a need to reprimand the ship’s commanding officer, Martinez said: “It will depend on the assessment and investigation. We’ll just wait for the facts and the analysis.”
Martinez said the incident occurred last August 27 at a naval base in Lumut, Malaysia.
The BRP Antonio Luna was sent to Malaysia to take part in the naval exercise, dubbed MALPHI LAUT 2025, held from August 25 to 29.
“When she was carefully maneuvering a narrow space, unfortunately, it incurred superficial damage to its (left) freeboard,” said Martinez.
Martinez said the ship was declared mission capable after the incident and “was able to participate in all serials of the at-sea events.”
“I would just like to highlight that these are just one of the many risks, operational risks that a ship would always (encounter),” Martinez said of the incident, adding no one was hurt.
“I also would like to highlight that the people there are professional. They are very highly competent and the CO (commanding officer) himself is a seasoned surface warfare officer,” added Martinez.
Martinez could not immediately say what the ship hit, causing the damage.
“I still need to wait for that investigation report. I do not want to comment on that because I would be speculating already,” said Martinez.
The BRP Antonio Luna was one of the major acquisitions under the military’s ongoing modernization program and plays a major role in protecting the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea.
