By HENRY EMPEÑO | May 20, 2025

SUBIC, Zambales — The Philippine Navy formally christened and commissioned here on Tuesday, May 20, two of its newly-acquired naval assets, the guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06) and BRP Albert Majini (PG909), the eighth in the country’s first locally assembled missile-capable patrol vessel.

President Ferdinand Marcos led the commissioning ceremony along with Philippine Navy flag officer in command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta at the Naval Operating Base (NOB) here during the Navy’s 127^th anniversary celebration.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, meanwhile, led the christening rites by unveiling the ships’ names and breaking the wine prior to the commissioning.

Among the guests in the ceremony are Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, AFP Chief Romeo Brawner Jr., and South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa. Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., meanwhile, led local government officials who welcomed Pres. Marcos to NOB-Subic.

The 118-meter BRP Miguel Malvar, which arrived from South Korea on April 4, is the third guided-missile frigate to join the Philippine Fleet. It is equipped with anti-ship, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and electronic warfare systems, a Navy handout indicated.

The newest frigate also features advanced sensors and weapons systems and is designed for long-range, multi-role combat operations, the Philippine Navy said.

On the other hand, BRP Albert Majini is the eighth Acero-class Fast Attack Interdiction Craft (FAIC) to be delivered by contractor Israeli Shipyards Ltd.

The FAICs also feature advanced missile systems and sophisticated onboard technology, and are designed for high-speed operations.

The entry of new frigates and interdiction craft under the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is expected to strengthen the Philippine Navy’s capacity to address current and emerging challenges.

President Marcos in his message at the commissioning rites underscored the role of the Navy in safeguarding the country’s maritime zones and reiterated his order to stand firm despite the tension in the region.

“We stand firm. We will never tolerate any act of disrespect against our sovereignty. We will continue to safeguard our maritime zones and exercise our maritime entitlements in accordance with international law,” he said.

“Wala tayong isusuko, wala tayong pababayaan (We won’t surrender anything, nor abandon anything),” he added.

The President also pointed out that his administration is investing in assets and systems to ensure that the Philippine Navy remains a formidable force in the region.

“What we witnessed during the commissioning ceremony of the Navy’s two newly-acquired vessels, the BRP Miguel Malvar and the BRP Albert Majini is a Philippine Navy that is modernized, that is evolving, and is ready to conduct more complex and effective operations in promoting the country’s national interest,” Marcos said.

“More than just acquiring new equipment, this modernization is also about empowering the Philippine Navy with the necessary skills, knowledge, tools, and sustenance,” he added. 