Jonathan Frederic De Santos

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr. gives his message, underscores the strategic significance of commissioning the BRP Rajah Sulayman, highlighting its role in strengthening maritime defense, on June 11, 2025. Armed Forces of the Philippines handout photo

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Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749701618918viber_image_2025-06-12_12-05-32-111.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. gives his message, underscores the strategic significance of commissioning the BRP Rajah Sulayman, highlighting its role in strengthening maritime defense, on June 11, 2025. <em>Armed Forces of the Philippines handout photo</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirmed its dedication to national sovereignty and defense modernization as it launched the BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20)—the first of its class of offshore patrol vessels—in Ulsan, South Korea on June 11, a day before the Philippines marks its 127th Independence Day.</p><p>In a statement on Thursday, the AFP said the launching was attended by AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) chief operating officer and senior executive vice president Joo Won Ho.</p><p>The event underscored the strong partnership between the Philippines and South Korea in advancing maritime security and self-reliant defense capabilities.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/11/contingency-measures-in-place-for-grounded-chinese-ships-in-west-philippine-sea-navy-1341">Contingency measures in place for grounded Chinese ships in West Philippine Sea: Navy<br/></a></div><p>In his remarks, Brawner highlighted the strategic importance of the launch, emphasizing its role in advancing the Philippines’ maritime defense.</p><p>“The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel Number 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.</p><p>“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.</p><p>Named after a fearless native leader who stood firm against foreign conquest during Spanish colonization, the BRP Rajah Sulayman is a modern emblem of the Filipino people&#x27;s resilience, courage and unyielding spirit of independence, according to the AFP.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/10/navy-china-must-leave-phs-maritime-zones-1447">Navy: China must leave PH’s maritime zones<br/></a></div><p>“As the nation honors its past, the AFP remains steadfast in shaping a future where freedom is not only celebrated but vigilantly safeguarded,” the military said.</p>

<p>“The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel Number 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,” AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. said.</p>

“The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel Number 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,” AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

AFP launches offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman

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AFP launches offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 12, 2025 12:19 PM PHT

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BRP Rajah Sulayman

Armed Forces of the Philippines

Hyundai Heavy Industries

AFP modernization

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