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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
February 23, 2026 | 12:00am
Photo from the Philippine Navy and Israel Shipyards show Rajah Sulayman and Audrey Bañares.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy will be commissioning its newest offshore patrol vessel (OPV) and a fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) at the Naval Operating Base-Subic in Zambales tomorrow.
Patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for the Navy’s patrol fleet, arrived in the country last Jan. 17 from South Korea. The OPVs are designed for extended maritime patrols, exclusive economic zone presence and multi-mission roles, reinforcing the Navy’s offshore sea control and domain awareness capabilities.
The vessel was met off Zambales by BRP Jose Rizal, the Navy’s first missile-capable frigate, as part of standard naval protocols for new naval ships entering Philippine waters.
The BRP Audrey Bañares is the latest Acero-class Fast Attack Interdiction Craft being commissioned as part of the Navy’s coastal defense and littoral interdiction force.
The Navy said the ships’ formal entry into active service underscores its commitment to strengthening its maritime defense and law enforcement capabilities through a modern, multi-domain and self-reliant force.
