Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the commissioning of the country’s new state-of-the-art naval asset—the 3,200-ton BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06)—at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales, formerly the site of Washington’s largest overseas naval base.
The vessel, classified as a guided missile corvette that arrived in Manila last April 4 named after the last Filipino general to surrender during the Philippine-American War, is over 100 meters in length and equipped with anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capabilities.
She and sister ship, BRP Diego Silang—expected to arrive later this year—were procured from South Korea under a 28-billion Philippine peso (US$483 million) deal signed by the Department of National Defense with shipbuilder HD Hyundai in 2021.
Some of the weapons of Malvar include a 76mm Oto Melara main gun, C-Star missiles surface-to-surface Blue Shark anti-submarine torpedoes.
Also commissioned was the BRP Albert Majini (PG909), the first locally assembled-capable patrol vessel built for rapid interdiction and coastal operations under the PN’s Littoral Combat Force.
The eighth Acero-class FAIC-M, she was named after Medal of Valor awardee Ensign Albert Majini, the ship honors his gallantry during anti-piracy operations in Basilan in 1980.
In his speech at the 127th anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales, Vice-Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, said the Navy has steadily grown into a force that is ever prepared to protect the country.
“Our readiness has become even more crucial in navigating the present security environment filled with urgent challenges related to the development in our seas and for the Philippines,” Espelata said.
“We are aware that our country’s future is linked to the security of our maritime domain. That is why our Navy plans Our Navy plays an important role not just in defending national sovereignty and assuring territorial integrity, but in contributing to lasting peace and preserving marine resources that future generations of young Filipinos can inherit,” he added.
The two ships – BRP Malvar and BRP Majini, will be deployed to patrol and protect the country’s territory in the West Philippines sea, Manila’s name for the part of the South China Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a strongly worded statement, declaring that Manila will never tolerate any act of disrespect against the country’s sovereignty amid growing regional threats.
Marcos Jnr made his remark at the Naval operating Base in Subic, Zambales, once the site of Washington’s largest overseas naval base, where he led the commissioning of two new warships of the Philippine Navy in time for its 127th anniversary.
“We will not surrender anything, we will not abandon anyone. We reaffirm our commitment to being responsible members of the international community, engaging in all matters diplomatically, and upholding the established principles of international law,” the President said.
Marcos Jnr did not mentioned any nation in his speech but Manila has ongoing territorial dispute with China.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. An international tribunal dismissed in 2016 China’s claims as having no legal basis, a decision Beijing has consistently rejected as illegitimate.
“This obligation is reflected in our proactive and sustained engagement in international defense and security efforts,” Marcos Jnr said.
Reached for comment, Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said the newly acquired vessels—especially the locally assembled patrol vessel—reflect the country’s aspirations and hard-earned progress in developing a self-reliant defense posture and a national defense industry.
“The arrival of the new frigates comes at a point when Manila has decided to widen its call for economic security operations that enables the strength of territorial defense while functioning in a deep-rooted strategy of protecting people from internal strife and external security,” he told Naval News.
“It emboldens our seamen and marines to dream for and work on a muscular navy ready to fight for the important territorial waters of the Philippines,” he added.
The maritime domain, according to Cabalza, is the future of the Philippines in terms of defense security, economic sustainability, ecological safeguards and international law.
“Philippine territorial waters must be protected as we see greater potential for the survival of our sovereignty and livelihood,” he said.
