Phl Navy commissions new frigate, attack craft at 127th Anniversary

The Philippine Navy on Tuesday commissioned the country's newest guided-missile frigate and fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) in time for its 127th founding anniversary.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Commander-in-Chief and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the christening and commissioning of the two new naval assets, BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06) and BRP Albert Majini (PG909), at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales.

With the theme “Philippine Navy: Addressing Challenges, Promoting Regional Stability, and Strengthening Maritime Security,” the celebration highlighted the Navy’s unwavering resilience in confronting emerging security threats, its proactive engagement in regional maritime partnerships, and its ongoing modernization efforts to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.

BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG06), a guided-missile frigate named after the last Filipino general to surrender during the Philippine-American War, arrived from South Korea on April 4, 2025.

Equipped for anti-ship, anti-submarine, anti-aircraft, and electronic warfare systems, the 118-meter vessel features advanced sensors and weapons systems and is designed for long-range, multi-role combat operations.

The newly christened 118.4-meter frigate has a cruising speed of 15 knots and a maximum speed of 25 knots. It can sail for about 4,500 nautical miles without replenishment, according to the Philippine Navy.

BRP Albert Majini (PG909), the eighth Acero-class Fast Attack Interdiction Craft (FAIC-Missile), is the first locally assembled missile-capable patrol vessel in the country.

Named after Medal of Valor awardee Ensign Albert Majini PN, the ship honors his gallantry during anti-piracy operations in Basilan in 1980.

PG909 is built for rapid interdiction and coastal operations under the PN’s Littoral Combat Force.

The Navy has already acquired five FAICs and three FAICs with missile capability. Another FAIC-M is set to be assembled in the country.

Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said the "commissioning of these two platforms strengthens the Philippine Navy’s capacity to address current and emerging maritime challenges, bolstering its role in national defense and regional stability."