Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: AFP: PRESS RELEASE | AFP Chief inspects Naval Warships in Subic

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | AFP Chief inspects Naval Warships in Subic

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jul 2, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | AFP Chief inspects Naval Warships in Subic

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – General Andres C Centino PA, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), visited three of the five naval ships docked in Subic, Zambales on Saturday, July 1 to inspect its modern warfare capabilities.

The Chief of Staff boarded BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the Philippine Navy’s missile frigate which recently gained anti-submarine warfare capability through the arrival of the AW159 ASW "Wildcat" helicopter.

Currently commanded by CAPT Clyde B Domingo PN, the FF-151 conducts multi-role operations and is equipped with surface-to-air missiles. It is the second ship of the Navy’s Jose Rizal-class, missile-guided frigates that is capable of anti-surface warfare (ASUW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and anti-air warfare (AAW).

Meanwhile, other frigates and corvettes of the Navy are also utilized as transport vessels for humanitarian missions during national calamities and as escort vessels to protect the sea line of communication.

The head of the military also examined the equipment aboard BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) headed by CDR Johanns O Cruzada PN and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) commanded by CDR Jim Aris V Alagao PN. He subsequently addressed all the men and women deployed to the ships who gathered at BRP Antonio Luna, including those of the two others docked in Subic, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) and BRP Davao del Sur (LD602).

During his talk to the troops, the AFP Chief underscored the military’s efforts in further developing the capabilities of its naval assets as it gradually shifts its focus from internal security to territorial defense operations.

“Being an adviser to the President and the Secretary of National Defense, it is important that I have firsthand knowledge of our ships’ capabilities by inspecting and visiting them myself. Even more important is seeing our competent and dedicated troops who continue to develop their skills to better perform their mission,” he said.

The AFP Chief then commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication despite any challenge the AFP face. “Because of our continued presence and maritime patrols, we are able to deter intruders from entering our territorial waters therefore keeping our people safe and our country protected,” he said.///(Photos by PFC Richard Carmelotes PN(M)/PAOAFP)

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