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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP commissions 2 Navy ships named after Filipino heroes Rajah Sulayman, Audrey Bañares

AFP commissions 2 Navy ships named after Filipino heroes Rajah Sulayman, Audrey Bañares

Published Feb 24, 2026 05:04 pm
BRP Audrey Bañares (PG-910), the Philippine Navy's newest fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC), is moored alongside the BRP Rajah Sulayman, an offshore patrol vessel, during their christening and commissioning ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on February 24, 2026. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
BRP Audrey Bañares (PG-910), the Philippine Navy's newest fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC), is moored alongside the BRP Rajah Sulayman, an offshore patrol vessel, during their christening and commissioning ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on February 24, 2026. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bolstered the nation’s territorial defense with the simultaneous christening and commissioning of two new naval vessels, the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) and the fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) BRP Audrey Bañares (PG-910), at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
The ceremony was led by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. alongside Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer in Command, and other senior military officers, and guests.
In his keynote address, Brawner emphasized that the acquisition of the assets is a defensive necessity rather than a provocation.
“Let me be clear: modernization is not a signal of aggression. It is a statement of responsibility. A credible defense posture deters conflict. Preparedness prevents miscalculation. Capability preserves peace,” he said.
The BRP Rajah Sulayman carries the name of the pre-Hispanic ruler who famously led Tagalog forces against Spanish colonizers during the 1570 Battle of Manila.
The PN noted that the vessel is intended to embody the leadership and resistance displayed by the historic chieftain.
The BRP Rajah Sulayman serves as the lead vessel of six OPVs sourced from South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), following a P30-billion contract signed in 2022. The ship was launched in Ulsan, South Korea on June 11, 2025 and arrived in Philippine waters last Jan. 17.
The OPVs are designed to provide a sustained presence across the country’s expansive maritime zones.
Meanwhile, the BRP Audrey Bañares honors Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Audrey Bañares, a Navy commando who died in the line of duty in September 2013.
Bañares was killed during a fierce sea battle with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) extremists off the coast of Zamboanga City.
The AFP said BRP Audrey Bañares symbolizes the bravery and dedication of Filipino sailors who defend the nation’s sovereignty, carrying forward the legacy of sacrifice exemplified by the Navy commando.
The BRP Audrey Bañares represents the final delivery of nine FAICs from Israel Shipyards Limited. These Acero-class gunboats were procured under a P10-billion agreement finalized in February 2021.
The new fast-attack fleet will replace aging medium-sized patrol craft of the PN, and they will focus on intensifying security operations within the country's coastal and shallow-water territories.
By integrating these vessels into the active fleet, the AFP said the military aims to establish a more formidable presence in both shallow littoral areas and deep-sea operations.
Brawner said the move reflects the military's shift toward a territorial defense posture amid evolving security challenges in the region, highlighting its commitment to protect the country’s vast archipelagic waters, coastlines, and economic zones.

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AFp Philippine Navy BRP Rajah Sulayman BRP Audrey Bañares
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