Philippine Navy commissions second Miguel Malvar-class frigate

December 3, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The Philippine Navy has placed its second Miguel Malvar-class frigate, BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), into active service following a christening and commissioning ceremony held on December 2, 2025, at Naval Operating Base–Subic, Zambales.

The ceremony was led by Department of National Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Melchor B. Mison Jr., who underscored the ship’s strategic value to the country’s maritime security.

The newly christened and commissioned BRP Diego Silang is a multi-role warship capable of conducting anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare missions. Compared to the Jose Rizal-class, it features a longer hull, larger displacement, and enhanced communication and electronic warfare support measures to boost further the PN’s operational versatility and maritime defense posture.

“Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas Diego Silang reflects the steady progress of our modernization effort, another step in building a defense posture that keeps pace with our growing responsibilities in protecting the state and securing our sovereignty. Diego Silang sends a clear message that the Philippines will continue to invest in programs that strengthen maritime domain awareness, enhance deterrence, and improve our ability to uphold the rule of law,” said Mison.

With BRP Diego Silang now formally in service, the Philippine Navy reinforces its fleet posture amid rising operational demands in the West Philippine Sea and across the archipelagic domain. The ship will contribute not only to defense and deterrence but also to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Navy officials emphasized that the commissioning highlights both institutional progress and the public’s continued support for modernization programs that expand the service’s operational capabilities.

BRP Diego Silang, built by South Korean shipbuilding heavyweight HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), was launched in March this year. The ship is named after Diego Silang, a leader of the Philippine independence movement who resisted Spanish rule and established an independent province. The delivery took place in September this year.