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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Navy new frigate is named after Ilocano revolt leader who fought Spaniards

PH Navy new frigate is named after Ilocano revolt leader who fought Spaniards

Published Sep 9, 2025 01:42 pm
The future BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) and BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) carry out a coordinated meeting procedure on September 8, 2025 off the coast of Zambales, highlighting interoperability and operational readiness of the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). (Photo: PN)
The future BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) and BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) carry out a coordinated meeting procedure on September 8, 2025 off the coast of Zambales, highlighting interoperability and operational readiness of the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). (Photo: PN)
The Philippine Navy (PN) has welcomed its newest guided missile frigate named after an Ilocano revolutionary leader who conspired with British forces to fight Spanish colonizers in the Philippines.
The future BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) is the second Malvar-class frigate in the PN’s fleet, making it one of the Navy’s most advanced warships to date.
“The Miguel Malvar-class frigates have more enhanced capabilities than the Jose Rizal-class frigates,” Captain Marissa Martinez, PN spokesperson, told the Manila Bulletin on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
According to Martinez, the Malvar-class frigates are slightly larger and more heavily armed. It is 118.4 meters long and has a displacement of 3,200 tonnes, bigger than BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) which is 107 meters long and has a displacement of 2,600 tonnes.
The future BRP Diego Silang has a speed of 25 knots, a range of 4,500 nautical miles, and can operate for 20 straight days at sea. It is equipped with various sonars and radars, electronic warfare and decoys, missiles, torpedoes, guns, and carries a naval helicopter.
“Frigates should have ASW (anti-submarine warfare) and anti-air capability. They should have capabilities that could address any type of threat in the maritime domain whether air, sea or others,” Martinez said.
She noted that the vessel will enhance the maritime domain awareness (MDA) capabilities of the Navy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The future BRP Diego Silang carried out a coordinated meeting procedure with the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) on Monday, Sept. 8, off the coast of Zambales.
In history, the two were husband and wife. Diego led an Ilocano revolt to defeat the Spaniards in the north in 1762 by teaming up with British forces. After Diego was assassinated in Vigan, Ilocos Sur in 1763, Gabriela continued his crusade.
Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the PN’s Philippine Fleet, oversaw the procedure while his son, Coast Guard Ensign Joshua Orbe, participated aboard BRP Gabriela Silang as part of his ongoing schooling on ship familiarization.
According to the Navy, the meeting of the future BRP Diego Silang and BRP Gabriela Silang was a way to honor their legacy, “symbolizing the spirit of heroism and unity that guides the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.”
“The coordinated procedure also reinforced fleet interoperability, operational readiness, and the Navy’s modernization efforts, while highlighting the human side of service and the shared dedication of generations of maritime officers,” the Navy added.
Aside from BRP Gabriela Silang, the future BRP Diego Silang also met BRP Jose Rizal approximately 14 nautical miles northwest off Botolan, Zambales.
“Upon joining the active Fleet, the second Miguel Malvar-class frigate will enhance the PN’s operational readiness, maritime domain protection, and capability to uphold a free, secure, and rules-based international order,” the Navy said.
The future BRP Diego Silang will undergo final preparations, acceptance procedures, and commissioning before officially joining the Navy’s active fleet.

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