THE Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday, March 19, 2021, commissioned to service its second missile-capable frigate in a ceremony held at the South Harbor Manila.
The frigate was christened BRP Antonio Luna (FF151).
In a video message, President Rodrigo Duterte said he hoped that the officers and crew of the new ship will be inspired by Luna’s bravery and patriotism.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said BRP Antonio Luna and its “sister ship” BRP Jose Rizal are considered among the most powerful assets of the Philippine military.
"The commissioning of the BRP Antonio Luna and her sister ship BRP Jose Rizal marks the advent of our future fleet towards having a modernized and multi capable Philippine Navy, one that is ready to respond to the increasing and emerging threats in our vast archipelagic nation," he said.
The vessels have a maximum designed speed of 25 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.
The military’s modernization program was initiated in 2013, under the leadership of then President Benigno Aquino III, and is implemented in three phases, each for five years.
The government has allotted P300 billion for the program, which is now on its second phase. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)