The BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the country’s second missile frigate, was formally commissioned today at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila.
The blessing and commissioning ceremony was attended by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
The program marks the official act of making BRP Antonio Luna a part of the Navy Fleet — a move which the defense chief believes will boost the country’s capability to defend our maritime territory.
“Puwede na nating iharap kung sino mang mananakop sa ating territory sa West Philippine Sea (We can now put this at the forefront to whoever invades our territory in the West Philippine Sea),” said Sec. Lorenzana.
The warship was named after Antonio Luna, a Filipino army general who fought during the Philippine-American war. This is the second after the country’s first missile-capable frigate, BRP Jose Rizal, was launched.
The arrival of BRP Antonio Luna completes the PN Frigate Acquisition Project with South Korea’s shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries. But Lorenzana assured, this is just the beginning of acquiring more ships for the Philippine Navy.
“Kapag nakumpleto natin yung anim na offshore patrol vessels at dalawang Corvette, medyo okay na tayo… Pwede na nating tawaging credible Navy (Once we complete the 6 offshore patrol vessels and 2 Corvettes, we will be quite okay… We would be able to call it a credible Navy,” he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte hopes that the continuous implementation of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will bring motivation to the military to maintain peace and order.
“Today, we reaffirm the strong commitment of the transformation, modernization, innovation, and pursuit of high standards in our naval service. May General Antonio Luna’s bravery and patriotism inspire the officers and crew of this new ship as you prepare for your future sails,” President Duterte encouraged in a video message. — Bea Bernardo
