Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel arrives in Philippines

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January 20, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman, arrived in the country last Jan. 17 from South Korea, adding to the Navy’s growing modern fleet.

The vessel was met in waters off Zambales last Saturday by BRP Jose Rizal, the Navy’s first missile-capable frigate, as part of standard naval protocols upon entering Philippine waters.

“After completing coordination and meeting procedures at sea, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman will begin post-delivery activities and technical checks,” (PN) public affairs office chief Commander Marie Angelica Sisican said.

The ship is scheduled to undergo acceptance and pre-commissioning processes prior to its formal entry into active service, which underscores the Navy’s commitment to strengthening its maritime defense and law enforcement capabilities through a modern, multi-domain and self-reliant force.

COA findings

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday it is implementing measures to address the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA) on P201.86 million in unliquidated cash advances and P72.86 million in unauthorized bank accounts.

The AFP said it acknowledged the COA findings and viewed these as “part of a constructive process that strengthens governance and financial discipline.”

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability and strict adherence to governing policies in the management of public funds,” the AFP said in a statement.

COA flagged the AFP over its unauthorized maintenance of six bank accounts and unliquidated cash advances amounting to P201.86 million as of end 2024.