Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 23) — The Philippine Navy said on Saturday that the country’s first missile-capable warship BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) has arrived in Subic, Zambales after a five-day sail from South Korea.
“The arrival of FF150 in the country is yet another major leap toward the fulfillment of the PN’s [Philippine Navy] thrust of having modern platforms and systems which provide opportunities for its personnel to develop modern mindsets and propel the whole organization into becoming a multi-capable naval force responsive to our maritime nation’s defense and development,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement.
The warship arrived Philippine waters early morning of May 21, and exchanged signals through radio with BRP Quezon, which is currently deployed in Mavulis Island, Batanes.
The following day, it was welcomed by Naval Forces Northern Luzon in Bolinao, Pangasinan through a meeting procedure with its first patrol boat division. Then in the afternoon, BRP Andres Bonifacio and Augusta Westland 109 helicopter and C-90 Fixed Wing Aircraft conducted a meeting procedure in Sta. Cruz, Zambales. BRP Andres Bonifacio then led it to its anchorage area.
On May 23, a traditional passing honors was given to BRP Jose Rizal with BRP Andres Bonifacio and three multi-purpose assault crafts.
The sailing crew will still undergo a 14-day quarantine in compliance with the country’s health safety measures against COVID-19. A Technical Inspection and Acceptance will be held after the quarantine period, while an arrival and commissioning ceremony is scheduled on June 19, which coincides with the birth anniversary of its namesake Dr. Jose Rizal.
Offshore Combat Force commander Commodore Karl Decapia led the arrival of the warship and said that this “signals the realization of a modern navy that is capable of imposing the Navy’s territorial defense mandate.”
“We are one with the Filipino people in expressing our profound gratitude in bringing pride and honor to the Philippine Navy and the AFP. Our countrymen expect nothing less than the selfless and honorable service that we in the Fleet have sworn to uphold and protect,” Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe was quoted saying.
BRP Jose Rizal will be focused on conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations. It has a maximum designed speed of 25 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.
Its delivery in April was delayed due to the travel restrictions imposed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
This is the first of the two frigates contracted by the Philippine Navy under Hyundai Heavy Industries. The second one, BRP Antonio Luna, is expected to be delivered by year-end.
