PH Navy's new BRP Lakandula arrives

The Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel, the future BRP Lakandula, has arrived in the country.

In a press statement on Saturday, the Philippine Navy said the arrival of the new BRP Lakandula was marked by a ceremony at Naval Operating Base-Subic on May 8, 2026.

The vessel, constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and scheduled to be formally commissioned at a later date, arrived in the country on May 4, 2026, signifying another milestone in the Navy’s ongoing capability development efforts.

“When this ship sails, the spirit of Rajah Lakandula sails with it — steadfast, wise, and unyielding. We are telling the world that we are a peace-loving nation. Our resolve to protect what is ours is as deep as the trenches of the Philippines,” Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia said in his keynote speech.

Valencia highlighted the significance of the vessel’s namesake, Rajah Lakandula, the pre-colonial ruler of Tondo and a symbol of courage and leadership in Philippine history.

The Philippine Navy said the arrival of the BRP Rajah Lakandula underscores its commitment to enhancing maritime security operations and maintaining a credible naval presence.

With the addition of this asset, the Philippine Navy said it continues to strengthen its ability to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain and support national security objectives. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News