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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
September 16, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed yesterday the arrival of its newest and most advanced guided-missile frigate,the future Diego Silang, its second Miguel Malvar-class frigate, expected to level up the country’s maritime defense posture.
The Philippine Navy’s frigate was welcomed during an arrival ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe and Diego Silang commanding officer Capt. John Percie Alcos led the arrival ceremony.
Named after Diego Silang, a revolutionary hero of Ilocos who fought against Spanish colonial rule, the ship symbolizes the enduring spirit of freedom and resistance in Philippine history.
Brawner emphasized the symbolic and strategic importance of the new frigate, highlighting it as a testament to the Philippine Navy’s growing capability and a clear signal of the AFP’s resolve to strengthen its maritime defense posture.
“BRP Diego Silang is a symbol of our nation’s resolve to defend what is rightfully ours, to stand firm in the face of challenges and to demonstrate our readiness to safeguard the interests of our people,” Brawner said.
The AFP said “the arrival of BRP Diego Silang represents a leap forward in the Philippine Navy’s strength and resolve, reinforcing the nation’s position as a vigilant guardian of its seas and a steadfast protector of its people.”
The future Diego Silang is part of the Navy’s modernization program under the contract signed with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2021. Originally envisioned as corvettes, the vessels were delivered with enhanced capabilities, classifying them as frigates.
Unlike corvettes, which are typically designed for a particular warfare dimension such as anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine or electronic warfare, frigates are multi-role platforms capable of performing all these missions.
“We are not just operators of this warship, we are its heart and soul. Our discipline, skill and sacrifice will bring life into this frigate, transforming her from machinery into the living vanguard of our seas,” Alcos said.
The Miguel Malvar-class frigates are larger and more advanced than the Jose Rizal-class frigates, with greater displacement and upgraded systems. They are equipped with a Vertical Launch System for surface-to-air missiles, a Close-In Weapon System and stronger communications and electronic warfare measures, giving the Navy a significant boost in maritime defense.
“As BRP Diego Silang joins our fleet, let her be a symbol of unity for the Armed Forces, a beacon of hope for our citizens, and a stern reminder to all who would challenge our sovereignty that the Philippines stands ready to defend what is ours,” Orbe said.
Philippines - Thailand joint exercises
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army and the Royal Thai Army (RTA) conducted a two-day humanitarian assistance and disaster response training, aimed at bolstering the PA’s interoperability in a range of HADR operations.
The HADR cooperation activity, held on Sept. 11 and 12 at the forerunner training area of the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio, focused on subject matter expert exchange on collapsed structure search and rescue, rope rescue and patient handling/medical response operations.
PA and RTA engineers demonstrated coordination on life-saving techniques and shared best practices.
The 525th Combat Engineer Battalion also staged a full capability demonstration of its search-and-rescue assets, giving the RTA team a firsthand look at its world-class response skills.
The RTA delegation also observed the 3rd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, which deepened their understanding of the PA’s disaster-response operations.
“The two-day PA-RTA HADR training reaffirms both armies’ strong bilateral relations and reinforces the Philippine Army leadership’s push for the holistic human capital of soldiers, the organization’s most valuable resource,” PA spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said.
