The Philippine Navy has commissioned two additional ships to its fleet—brand new and missile-capable—in a ceremony during its 127th founding anniversary that highlighted the ongoing military modernization program.

One of them, a guided-missile frigate, was named BRP Miguel Malvar and while all Filipinos—except those who were too lazy or too wasted to attend their Philippine history classes— knew him as the last Filipino general to surrender to the Americans, some may wonder why the second vessel, a Fast Attack Interdiction Craft (FAICT) was named BRP Albert Majini.

Who is this Albert Majini?

Majini is a native of Zamboanga and a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Makatarungan” Class of 1978, and a recipient of the coveted Medal of Valor award, the highest recognition for bravery in the military.

Then with a rank of Ensign, he was assigned as the gunnery officer of the BRP Rajah Lakandula, the Philippine Navy’s only Edsall-class destroyer—built primarily for ocean antisubmarine escort service—at that time. 

Two years after his graduation or on Oct. 7, 1980, the ship was conducting patrol in Sangbay Island in Basilan when it figured in a battle with armed pirates.

In order to protect the BRP Rajah Lakandula and its crew from the heavy gunfire, he made a dangerous move to get a better aim of the enemies during the gun battle. 

He was later hit on the neck but before he died, he was still able to report to his commanding officer saying: “I am hit, request to be relieved.”

“His heroism and selfless service live on through the ship that now proudly bears his name,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement. 

Locally-assembled

The BRP Albert Marjini is the first locally-assembled Fast Attack Interdiction Craft in the Philippines. 

It could reach up to 40 knots and was installed with a missile system for enhanced strike capability.

The vessel is primarily used for intercepting missions and is also ideal for fast-paced operations in coastal and shallow waters.

Frigate

On the other hand, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06) is a guided-missile frigate equipped for anti-ship, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and electronic warfare systems.

The 118-meter vessel features advanced sensors and weapons systems and is designed for long-range, multi-role combat operations.

It arrived from South Korea on April 4.

Addressing maritime challenges

In his speech, Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Espeleta said the commissioning of the two vessels strengthens the Philippine Navy’s capacity to address current and emerging maritime challenges and bolsters its role in national defense and regional stability.

“For the Philippines, we are aware that our country's future is linked to the security of our maritime domain,” said Espeleta. 

“That is why our Navy plays an important role, not just in defending national sovereignty and assuring territorial integrity, but in contributing to lasting peace and preserving marine resources that future generations of young Filipinos can inherit,” he added.