From fast frigates to patrol ships

The Navy has downgraded its three Del Pilar-class frigates into patrol ships based on their capacity for maritime warfare.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-16), the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-17), and the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-18) have been reclassified from fast frigates to patrol ships and would be redesignated as “PS.”

According to Navy spokesperson Capt. Jonathan Zata, frigates are supposed to be “naval combatant that has more than one capability to address the multidimensional nature of naval warfare.”

“These should have the capability for antisurface, antisubmarine and even electronic warfare,” Zata added.