'Bongbong Rocket' historical marker unveiled at Camp Aguinaldo
Published Jul 4, 2025 02:41 pm
Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. delivers a speech during the ceremonial unveiling of a historical marker of the "Bongbong Rocket" at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on July 3, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showcased a historical marker for the “Bongbong Rocket”, a decommissioned rocket launcher named after President Marcos Jr., which was developed in the 1970s but eventually abandoned after the fall of Marcos Sr.
AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. led the turnover and ceremonial unveiling of the historical marker for the Bongbong Rocket at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday, July 3.
The Bongbong Rocket was touted by the AFP as the Philippines’ first liquid‑propellant rocket, manufactured by Filipino and German engineers and scientists under the highly-classified missile program “Project Santa Barbara” (after the patron saint of artillerymen, Saint Barbara) by then president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Named after Marcos Sr.'s son and now President Bongbong Marcos, the rocket was launched in 1972 but the missile program was discontinued in 1986 and no surviving blueprint of the rocket was known to exist.
The AFP described the Bongbong Rocket as “an improvised multiple rocket launcher system” which “stands as a symbol of Filipino ingenuity in addressing operational challenges during its time of service.”
Armed Forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. (left) reads the description on the historical marker of the "Bongbong Rocket" during a ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on July 3, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
To honor it, the AFP created a historical marker for the Bongbong Rocket as well as two other decommissioned military assets, the former Philippine Navy Patrol Craft Fast PB321 and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) MD-520MG “Defender” helicopter.
The PB321, formerly a key component of the Philippine Navy’s fast attack fleet, served with distinction in numerous maritime security and patrol missions.
Meanwhile, the MD-520MG Defender is a light attack helicopter that played a vital role in tactical air support operations for decades.
In his speech, Brawner emphasized the importance of preserving and honoring the legacy of military platforms.
He said the ceremonial installation of the three markers was part of an initiative to highlight the evolution of the military’s capabilities and to educate future generations on the rich history of the armed forces.
“These assets, though decommissioned, continue to tell the story of the AFP's dedication, innovation, and transformation in protecting our sovereignty and national interest,” Brawner said.