Navy to commission first missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal

The Philippine Navy is set to commission its first missile-capable frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), on July 10 in Zambales.

President Rodrigo Duterte will have a virtual presence at the commissioning ceremony due to health restrictions related to COVID-19.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo stated that the Presidential Security Group recommended against the President's physical attendance to avoid unnecessary exposure.

The BRP Jose Rizal, built in South Korea, was previously scheduled for commissioning on June 19 but was delayed.

This frigate is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

The procurement of this frigate, along with the BRP Antonio Luna which was commissioned in November last year, was signed in 2016 for P16 billion.