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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BRP Diego Silang arrives in Subic as PH Navy launches new strategic roadmap

BRP Diego Silang arrives in Subic as PH Navy launches new strategic roadmap

Published Sep 15, 2025 04:44 pm
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. (middle) joins senior Philippine Navy officers and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) personnel for a group photo to celebrate the ship’s induction at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on Sept. 15, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. (middle) joins senior Philippine Navy officers and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) personnel for a group photo to celebrate the ship’s induction at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on Sept. 15, 2025. (Photo: AFP)
The Philippine Navy’s (PN) newest guided missile frigate, BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), finally arrived at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on Monday, Sept. 15, coinciding with the launch of the Sail Plan 2040, a long-term strategic roadmap designed to transform the PN into a “modern, multi-capable naval force” within the next 15 years.
BRP Diego Silang sailed into Subic Bay to a ceremonial reception as it was welcomed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. and PN Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) Vice Adm. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta.
The ship’s commanding officer is former PN spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos.
Brawner, in his keynote speech, emphasized that the new frigate was a testament to the PN’s growing capability and a “clear signal of the AFP’s resolve to strengthen its maritime defense posture” at a time of heightened maritime challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) is a symbol of our nation’s resolve to defend what is rightfully ours, to stand firm in the face of challenges, and to demonstrate our readiness to safeguard the interests of our people,” the military chief added.
BRP Diego Silang is the second Malvar-class frigate of the PN built by South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries under the AFP Horizon 2 modernization program. It arrived in the country from Ulsan, South Korea last Sept. 8 and is undergoing final fit-out, sea trials, and acceptance procedures ahead of its commissioning.
Together with its sister ship BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which arrived in April and commissioned into service a month later, the guided missile frigates are considered the most advanced vessels in the PN fleet.
They weigh 3,200 gross tons, measure 118.4 meters, and have a beam of 14.9 meters. They have a range of 4,500 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 15 knots. They are also equipped with advanced weaponry such as C-Star anti-ship cruise missiles, Vertical Launch (VL) MICA surface-to-air missiles, 76 mm Oto Melara Super Rapid main gun, and 3D AESA radar system among others.
The Malvar-class frigates use the HDF-3200 frigate design, which was larger than the HDF-2600 frigate design used for the Rizal-class frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151).
The Malvar-class frigates were procured for P28 billion in a deal signed by the Department of National Defense (DND) with HHI in 2021 to strengthen the PN’s capabilities for extended patrols, enhanced deterrence in contested zones, and anti-air, anti-subsurface, and anti-surface warfare operations.
Sail Plan 2040
Meanwhile, the AFP said the arrival of BRP Diego Silang complements the PN’s newest Sail Plan 2040, which focuses not just on acquiring ships but also on building the doctrine, training systems, and logistics backbone to support them.
The plan, which aligns with the broader AmBisyon Natin 2040, lays out priorities that ensure the naval modernization is systematic, sustainable, and aligned with national defense goals.
“The Philippine Navy, alongside the AFP, stands ready to fulfill its duty with professionalism and determination. We will safeguard our waters and ensure that peace, stability, and freedom remain for the benefit of all,” the military chief said.

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