Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Andres Centino visited three Philippine Navy (PN) ships docked in Subic, Zambales on Saturday, July 1, to inspect its modern warfare capabilities.
*(Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
* Centino boarded BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), a missile-capable frigate; BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), a frigate; and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), an offshore patrol vessel, to meet its commanding officers. Capt. Clyde Domingo, commanding officer of BRP Antonio Luna, said that the frigate recently gained its anti-submarine warfare capability through the arrival of the AW159 ASW "Wildcat" helicopter. BRP Antonio Luna conducts multi-role operations and is equipped with surface-to-air missiles. It is the second ship of the Navy’s Jose Rizal-class, missile-guided frigates that has anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and anti-air warfare (AAW) capabilities. Last month, BRP Antonio Luna was deployed to the Western Command (WesCom) area of responsibility to boost the Navy’s presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Meanwhile, Centino also met with Commander Johanns O. Cruzada, commanding officer of BRP Conrado Yap; and Commander Jim Aris V. Alagao, commanding officer of BRP Ramon Alcaraz. They are being utilized as transport vessels for humanitarian missions during national calamities and as escort vessels to protect the sea line of communication. During his talk to the troops, the AFP Chief underscored the military’s efforts in further developing the capabilities of its naval assets as it gradually shifts its focus from internal security to territorial defense operations. “Being an adviser to the President and the Secretary of National Defense, it is important that I have firsthand knowledge of our ships’ capabilities by inspecting and visiting them myself. Even more important is seeing our competent and dedicated troops who continue to develop their skills to better perform their mission,” he said. Centino also commended the troops for their “professionalism and dedication” despite the “challenges” they face in the conduct of their duties. “Because of our continued presence and maritime patrols, we are able to deter intruders from entering our territorial waters therefore keeping our people safe and our country protected,” he said.