Philippine Navy's new warship Jose Rizal arrives in Subic

The Philippine Navy’s newest warship arrived in Subic, Zambales on Sunday after a five-day maiden voyage from Ulsan, South Korea where it was built.

The vessel, the Navy’s first missile-capable warship, will be named BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) once it is commissioned to service, the Philippine Navy said in a press release.

The frigate was first welcomed in Batanes on Thursday, May 21, by BRP Quezon through radio signals and communications.

Three patrol boats from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon then met the vessel in the vicinity of Bolinao, Pangasinan in the morning of Friday, May 22.

In the afternoon of Friday, May 22, BRP Andres Bonifacio, together with an Augusta Westland 109 helicopter and a C-90 fixed wing aircraft met FF150 in Sta. Cruz, Zambales. The vessel was then escorted by BRP Andres Bonifacio to its designated anchorage area.

On Saturday, the frigate Jose Rizal was given traditional passing honors with BRP Andres Bonifacio and three multipurpose assault crafts.

Two naval helicopters also conducted a fly-by.

Commodore Karl Decapia, commander of the Offshore Combat Force, said the frigate’s arrival “signals the realisation of a modern navy that is capable of imposing the Navy’s territorial defense mandate.”

The frigate Jose Rizal is capable of fighting the four dimensions of warfare, Decapia said, expressing thanks to the Philippine leadership for supporting the modernization of the Philippine Navy.

Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe greeted the officers and men of FF150, Philippine Navy Frigate Owners Representatives and the support team from Korea.

“We are one with the Filipino people in expressing our profound gratitude in bringing pride and honor to the Philippine Navy and the AFP,” Bernabe said.

The sailing crew of the frigate Jose Rizal will undergo a two-week quarantine in accordance with health protocols set by authorities to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

The frigate’s commissioning ceremony will be held on June 19, the birth anniversary of hero Dr. Jose Rizal, after whom the ship has been named. —KG, GMA News