Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Navy on Tuesday commissioned its newest warship, the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), as it beefs up assets for patrol and defense capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.
Manila is buying 10 more warships for delivery through 2028, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said.
“This [BRP Diego Silang] will add to the ships of the Philippine Navy that is capable of patrolling our EEZ (exclusive economic zone) and even beyond. It will be the most modern warship that we will have,” he told a press briefing.
In the construction pipeline are six more offshore patrol vessels from South Korea and two landing docks from Indonesia. The Philippines is also buying two more frigates.
“This will be a total of 10 more warships that we are waiting,” Trinidad said.
BRP Diego Silang is the second surface combatant under the Miguel Malvar-class frigate armed with missiles, torpedo, as well as anti-submarines and aerial weapons systems. Its commanding officer is Capt. John Percy Alcos.
Built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries, it arrived in September after completing sea trials.
South Korea is also the manufacturer of six offshore patrol vessels that Manila has ordered. The new orders have “been funded,” Trinidad said.
“They are already in the construction pipeline. Delivery will cover 2026 to 2028 or 2029, with two additional frigates plus other more capabilities… are still for funding but are undergoing deliberation,” the navy official said.
