AFP launches offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday reaffirmed its dedication to national sovereignty and defense modernization as it launched the offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) in Ulsan, South Korea on Wednesday.
In a statement, the AFP said the launching ceremony was attended by AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) chief operating officer and senior executive vice president Joo Won Ho.
The event showed the strong partnership between the Philippines and South Korea in enhancing maritime security and self-reliant defense capabilities, according to the AFP.
Brawner, in his remarks, pointed out the strategic importance of the launch, especially its role in advancing the Philippines' maritime defense.
'The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel No. 1, the BRP Rajah Sulayman, is not merely the unveiling of a new ship—it is a bold declaration of our commitment to maritime security and the defense of our sovereignty,' Brawner said.
'This vessel marks a new chapter for the Philippine Navy, reflecting our resolve to enhance our operational capabilities and extend our presence across our vast maritime domain,' he added.
According to the AFP, its new asset was named after a fearless native leader, Rajah Sulayman, who stood firm against foreign conquest in pre-colonial times.
The AFP said BRP Rajah Sulayman is a modern emblem of the Filipino people's resilience, courage, and unyielding spirit of independence.
'As the nation honors its past, the AFP remains steadfast in shaping a future where freedom is not only celebrated but vigilantly safeguarded,' the AFP said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
an hour ago
- GMA Network
Pinoys in Iran advised to avoid public places due to Iran-Israel tensions
People gather in the street near an emergency vehicle in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 13, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS The Philippine Embassy in Iran on Friday advised Filipinos in Iran to avoid public places with large gatherings. "Avoid travelling to or visiting places where large public gatherings of political nature usually take place," the advisory read. It also urged Filipinos to stay informed of the latest news and developments as tensions between Iran and Israel continue. The embassy said Filipinos should exercise caution. "Be vigilant and mindful of your surroundings. Trust your instincts and avoid risky situations whenever possible." If they find any Filipino in distress, Pinoys should inform the Filipino community group leaders and the embassy, it added. The embassy also advised Filipinos to keep a list of important contacts such as the nearest local authorities and medical facilities. Filipinos needing assistance may contact the Philippine Embassy through: ATN hotline: +989122136801 Email: Facebook: /PHinIran Instagram: /phliniran Tensions mounted between Israel and Iran after Israel struck Iran early Friday. Israel said it was declaring a state of emergency in anticipation of a missile and drone strike by Tehran, according to a report by Reuters. Israel struck dozens of nuclear and military targets, according to an Israeli military official. The said official also said Iran had enough material to make 15 nuclear bombs within days. Iran however said its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes. Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Friday night, according to a Reuters report. According to a report by Israel's Channel 12 cited by Reuters, two people were critically injured, eight moderately, and 34 slightly from shrapnel. The Philippine Embassy in Israel earlier advised Filipinos in Israel to stay home after Israel was placed under Essential Activity status starting Friday, June 13 until 8 p.m. of June 14. Under Essential Activity status, classes are suspended throughout Israel, any forms of gatherings are prohibited, and work is also suspended except for those providing essential services. —KG, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
11 hours ago
- GMA Network
Philippines urges de-escalation in Middle East after Israel's airstrikes on Iran
"The Philippines is gravely concerned over heightened tensions in the Middle East region following Israel's airstrikes on Iran," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement. The Philippines on Friday has called on concerned countries to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East after Israel's airstrikes on Iran. Israel on Friday said that it struck Iran, and Iranian media said explosions were heard in Tehran as tensions mounted over US efforts to win Iran's agreement to halt production of material for an atomic bomb. Israel said it was declaring a state of emergency in anticipation of a missile and drone strike by Tehran. Iran has been reported to have said that Israel's airstrikes on its military and nuclear facilities were a "declaration of war" and called on the UN Security Council to act. "The Philippines is gravely concerned over heightened tensions in the Middle East region following Israel's airstrikes on Iran," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement. "With the welfare of the people of the Middle East and the Filipinos there in mind, the Philippines urges concerned countries to de-escalate and follow the path of peace," it added. The Philippine government said that it has yet to receive reports of any Filipinos hurt. "The Philippine embassies in the region stand ready to assist Filipinos in their jurisdictions. So far, the DFA has not received reports of any Filipino hurt, injured, or otherwise affected as a result of the operations,' the DFA said. The Philippine Embassy in Israel earlier advised Filipinos to keep themselves safe at home after the IDF Home Front Command announced that Israel is under essential activity status from 3 a.m. on June 13 until 8 p.m. on June 14. Under essential activity status, classes are suspended throughout Israel, any forms of gatherings are prohibited, and work is also suspended except for those providing essential services. The embassy also advised Filipinos in Israel to contact its emergency hotline: +972 54-4661188 for urgent concerns. –NB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
12 hours ago
- GMA Network
ACT Teachers party-list solons urge Imee, Robin to recuse from impeachment trial
"Well, para sa akin, matagal naman na nating alam na talagang... supporter pa rin ng mga Duterte. Kaya dapat ay mag-inhibit sila as senator-judge doon sa magaganap na trial para doon sa impeachment,' ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said in an interview. The ACT Teachers Partylist today called on Senators Imee Marcos and Robin Padilla to recuse from the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This developed after Imee Marcos and Padilla went with Sara Duterte to Kuala Lumpur and attended an event with overseas Filipino workers, during which the two senators openly expressed their support for the impeached official. "Well, para sa akin, matagal naman na nating alam na talagang... supporter pa rin ng mga Duterte. Kaya dapat ay mag-inhibit sila as senator-judge doon sa magaganap na trial para doon sa impeachment,' ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said in an interview. "Mukhang wala na tayong magagawa sa dalawang yan kung ganyan ang mga statement. Hindi pa nagsisimula ang paglalabas ng mga testimony, mga witnesses, mga documents, ay meron na silang predjudgment doon sa impeachment trial, impeachment case,' she added. GMA News Online is trying to get a comment from Imee Marcos and Padilla and will publish their comments as soon as they are available. Castro's party mate, representative-elect Antonio Tinio, echoed the call but said he didn't expect Sara Duterte's allies to recuse from the impeachment trial. 'Dapat talaga mag-inhibit sila. Pero pangungunahan na rin natin na alam natin na hindi naman nila gagawin yon kasi inhibition ay voluntary. At wala tayong ilusyon na mag-iinhibit ang dalawang yan o yung mga senators na openly supportive kay Vice President Sara Duterte,' Tinio said. House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre of Tingog Partylist said the issue against the two senators, who will be sitting as judges in the impeachment trial, is not only moral and ethical but also goes against the oath they took as public servants. 'It's a moral question. It's an ethical question, yes. But most importantly, it appears to be a betrayal of the oath they took. They did not take an oath; no one, including myself, took an oath to protect one single political leader. We all took an oath to protect the institution, the Constitution,' Acidre said in an interview. ''Yon naman talaga ang trabaho namin. Wala naman kaming trabahong protektahan kahit sinong pulitikko, mataas man o mababa sa amin. Ang trabaho namin ay sundin ang Konstitusyon, na nilabag ng Senado sa usapin ng impeachment,' he added. House Deputy Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega of La Union said it was unethical for a senator-judge to be vocal about their support for the impeached vice president. 'They're still making the obvious very obvious. As a senator judge, dapat impartial ka,' Ortega said. Acidre and Ortega did not join the calls for the Duterte allies to recuse from the impeachment trial. 'The Senate would be the best judge on how to address this issue. In the end, consistent tayo sa ating pananaw that the Senate cannot look into the affairs of the House on how we conduct our proceedings, and only presume regularity of our actions. I'm giving them the same presumption of regularity,' Acidre said. 'It depends sa Senate… Nasa sa kanila yan kasi I cannot speak for them. I can only speak for the House. Siyempre yung context ng pagiging judge, siyempre may dapat… requirement talaga na impartial ka,' Ortega said. –NB, GMA Integrated News
