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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Being Rajah Sulayman: AFP names new Navy vessel after pre-colonial warrior amid West PH Sea 'bullying'

Being Rajah Sulayman: AFP names new Navy vessel after pre-colonial warrior amid West PH Sea 'bullying'

Published Jun 12, 2025 12:01 pm

In the 16th century, Rajah Sulayman led a group of warriors to fight the colonization of the Spaniards in Luzon. 

Fast forward to June 2025, his name still stands as a symbol of the commitment to maritime security and the defense of the country’s sovereignty through the launch of the newly-procured offshore patrol vessel (OPV) amid the bullying and harassment being experienced by Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.

The BRP Rajah Sulayman (FF-108) is the first of the six offshore patrol vessels that the Department of National Defense (DND) bought from South Korea as part of an aggressive modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. led the launching of the Philippine Navy’s new warship in Ulsan, South Korea on Wednesday, June 11, with Mr. Joo Won Ho, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

In his speech, Brawner emphasized the strong partnership between the Philippines and South Korea in bolstering maritime security and self-reliant defense capabilities.

“The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel No. 1, the BRP Rajah Sulayman, is not merely the unveiling of a new ship—it is a bold declaration of our commitment to maritime security and the defense of our sovereignty,” said Brawner.

“This vessel marks a new chapter for the Philippine Navy, reflecting our resolve to enhance our operational capabilities and extend our presence across our vast maritime domain,” he added.

Brawner also highlighted the strategic importance of the launch in advancing the country’s maritime defense.

Named after a legendary pre-colonial ruler who resisted foreign conquest, Brawner the BRP Rajah Sulayman stands as a symbol of the Filipino people's resilience, strength, and enduring pursuit of independence. 

“As the nation honors its past, the AFP remains steadfast in shaping a future where freedom is not only celebrated but vigilantly safeguarded,” said Brawner.

The Philippine government has been aggressively pursuing military modernization since the Scarborough Shoal standoff in 2012, which later led to the procurement of 12 fighter jets from South Korea.

Since then, the AFP has been on the shopping mode for military hardware since then, and recently, the military confirmed the procurement of 12 more fighter jets from South Korea. 

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