With three of the country’s frigates now upgraded, maritime security and defense operation by the Philippine Navy are expected to expand in support of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s missions in patrolling maritime territories of the Philippines, particularly in the West Philippine Sea and the country’s exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

In a report from the Herma Shipyard (HSI) in Mariveles, Bataan, the facility’s director, Jose Exiquel Esguerra, disclosed the completion of the dry-docking and upgrade of the Philippine Navy (PN)’s frigate PS-15 BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.

“This marks the completion of a series of upgrades to the Philippine Navy’s Gregorio Del Pilar-Class frigates, which include PS15, PS16 (BRP Ramon Alcaraz) and PS17 (BRP Andres Bonifacio),” Esguerra noted.

“These vessels are former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutters that were acquired by the Philippines and now serve as the backbone of the Philippine Navy’s patrol force,” he added.

Esguerra stressed the importance of upgrading the defense systems of the Philippine Navy’s vessels, citing the initiative to be “an honor” for the HIS to contribute in nation building, specifically by enhancing the country’s maritime capabilities.

“Our frigates are now more enhanced and equipped more than ever,” said Esguerra.

For his part, Gregorio Del Pilar’s commander Phillip Plaza expressed optimism in the government’s collaboration with Herma Shipyard, as well as South Korean Hanwha Group, in upgrading the Philippine Navy’s warships, saying that it is a “testament that teamwork with various industry experts delivers optimum results.”