Manila: The Philippines' second guided Malvar-class missile frigate, to be named BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) upon commissioning, has reached the country, as announced by the Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday. The vessel was officially received by the PN's first guided-missile frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), upon its entry into Philippine waters on Monday, according to PN public affairs office chief Captain Benjo Negranza.
According to Philippines News Agency, the BRP Diego Silang will undergo final preparations, acceptance procedures, and commissioning before it becomes an active member of the PN fleet. Negranza stated that once integrated into the fleet, BRP Diego Silang would enhance the PN's operational readiness and maritime domain protection, contributing to maintaining a free, secure, and rules-based international order.
The BRP Diego Silang engaged in joint maneuvers with the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) offshore patrol vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), off the coast of Zambales, aside from its initial meeting with BRP Jose Rizal. Negranza emphasized the significance of this activity for both services, noting that it not only represents a routine encounter but also honors the legacy of Diego and Gabriela Silang, symbolizing the heroism and unity guiding the PN and PCG in their mission to safeguard national sovereignty.
Negranza further mentioned that the coordinated procedure reinforced fleet interoperability, operational readiness, and the PN's modernization efforts, while highlighting the human side of service and the shared dedication among maritime officers across generations. The procedure was supervised by Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Joe Anthony Orbe, with his son, PCG Ensign Joshua Orbe, participating aboard BRP Gabriela Silang as part of his ongoing ship familiarization training.
The BRP Diego Silang, like its sister ship BRP Miguel Malvar, which arrived on April 8 and was commissioned on May 20, weighs 3,200 gross tons, measures 118.4 meters, and has a beam of 14.9 meters. It boasts a range of 4,500 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 15 knots. Prior to the arrival of the BRP Miguel Malvar, the most modern ships in the PN inventory were the two Jose Rizal-class frigates: BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna (FFG-151).
