Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Navy has commissioned its newest offshore patrol vessel, BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), on its 128th anniversary as part of modernization efforts.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr led the commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila.
“Truly, this is a pivotal step towards realizing the navy’s vision of a modern and self-reliant force,” Marcos said. “This vessel enhances our capacity to safeguard our resources and assert our sovereignty.”
Named after Rajah Lakandula, a ruler of pre-colonial Manila, the vessel is expected to boost maritime security, territorial defense, and sovereignty patrol missions.
The government continues to invest in military modernization amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and persistent tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
In his speech, Marcos noted the importance of a capable naval force as geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific.
