Philippines acquires 3 more new warships – AFP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The country’s naval capability will be boosted further with the arrival of three frigates next year.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal made the announcement here Friday when he attended the 13th founding anniversary of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Madrigal said the first to arrive early next year is BRP Jose Rizal, a frigate class of the Philippine Navy that was launched in Ulsan, South Korea.

He said the additional frigate will complement the BRP Conrado, a Pohang Class, which arrived last month. The vessel is the Philippine Navy’s first modern corvette that has anti-air, surface and anti-submarine warfare capability.

“The improvement of the AFP capabilities is fast. We have delivery of naval ships,” Madrigal told the troops.

Madrigal later told newsmen that the arrival of additional naval warships was not in reaction to the continued intrusion and incursion of Chinese warships in Philippine territory.

He said the enhancement of naval capability was already in pipeline of the AFP modernization program.

“Our posture is not only to attain security but on our capability to respond to contingencies like calamities, capability to work together in interoperability with our allies,” Madrigal said.

He stressed the addition of naval ships is aimed to increase AFP capability and ensure the sovereign security of the country while protecting the welfare of the Filipino people, especially the fishermen.

“We are very fortunate we have a President who is very supportive, and the President recognizes the contribution of our soldiers in attaining peace and development in our country,” Madrigal said.

Madrigal said the support provided by President Duterte will be reciprocated with firm service of every soldier in the AFP to hasten the peace and development of the country.