Navy chief says BRP Antonio Luna expected to arrive next month

The Philippine Navy's second missile-capable frigate, BRP Antonio Luna (FF 151), is expected to arrive by the second to third week of February, Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said Tuesday.

Bacordo said the arrival was delayed because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the number of infections in South Korea, where the frigate will come from, increased.

"Expected siya mga this February... wala pang schedule, mga third week of February. If not for the COVID, dapat February 10 siya dumating," Bacordo told reporters.

"Siyempre Korea nag-spike ulit sa kanila. I think December last year, so nag-lessen na ulit ang workforce nila and likewise ito 'yung mga technical inspection and acceptance committee, pagpunta to conduct inspection immediately... may five days pa sila na quarantine so hindi full force," he added.

Earlier, the Navy said the final inspection for BRP Antonio Luna has started in Ulsan. It will be done until January 30.

Captain Sergio Bartolome, Navy's frigate owner representative, said BRP Antonio Luna is almost 100% complete as it satisfactorily passed harbor and sea trials.

BRP Antonio Luna is the country's second missile-capable frigate after BRP Jose Rizal. The two frigates can help in enhancing the capability of Filipino troops to secure the country's maritime territory. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News