The Philippine Navy (PN) welcomed to its fleet on Friday, May 26, its two brand new Acero-class patrol gunboats from Israel.
(President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (front, left) is joined by Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. as he graces the 125th founding anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Manila on May 26, 2023. Photo by Ali Vicoy / MANILA BULLETIN)
BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) were commissioned into service as the PN celebrated its 125th founding anniversary at the PN headquarters in Manila.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. served as the guest of honor and speaker during the event, and witnessed the commissioning of the vessels.
“We have just commissioned the Philippine Navy’s two Acero-class vessels which symbolize the promising future of our maritime defense and efforts towards enhanced capabilities, increased resilience and stronger presence in the maritime domain,” said Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., PN Flag Officer in Command.
The patrol gunboats will be deployed in the Visayas and Mindanao to address the gaps in operational support against transnational crimes, and protect territorial integrity and maritime interests.
The vessels were manufactured by Israel Shipyard Ltd. and ordered by the PN as part of its modernization program to strengthen the country’s littoral defense.
The vessels were delivered to the PN last April 11 and christened on May 8.
“I extend our gratitude to the national leadership for making this possible and for the continued support to our Navy as we realize our vision of becoming a modern and multi-capable naval force,” Adaci said.
BRP Gener Tinangag and BRP Domingo Deluana, which were named after two Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) personnel who were killed in action and bestowed the Medal of Valor, will join the Acero-class vessels BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-902).