The Philippine Navy on Tuesday announced the arrival of its newest warship from South Korea, the second Miguel Malvar-class frigate (FFG-07), which will be commissioned as BRP Diego Silang.
The vessel entered Philippine waters on Monday off the coast of Zambales, where it carried out a coordinated meeting procedure with the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), underscoring stronger maritime cooperation between the two services.
“Interestingly, Silang met Silang,” Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said in a media briefing. “More than a routine encounter, the meeting of these vessels honors the legacy of Diego Silang and Gabriela Silang, symbolizing the spirit of heroism and unity that guides the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.”
The warship was welcomed by the Philippines’ first guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), and sailed in formation some 14 nautical miles northwest of Botolan, Zambales.
Martinez said the frigate will boost the Navy’s readiness and maritime security operations once commissioned.
The ship, part of Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces modernization program, was built by a South Korean shipbuilder under a defense agreement.
Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the delivery shows the program is on track.
