BRP Andres Bonifacio anchored in Albay for viewing after territorial operations in Luzon waters

ANCHORED. The BRP Andres Bonifacio’s grey body contrasts with the glistening sea on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, after it dropped anchor near the Legazpi City port at the Albay Gulf to welcome visitors wanting to tour its decks. Photo by Michael Jaucian

LEGAZPI CITY — To showcase it off to the public, the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio anchored in the Albay Gulf close to the port of Legazpi City on November 14.

Commodore Alfonso Torres Jr., Naval Forces Southern Luzon Commander said “prior to docking of the vessel, it already conducted a series of territorial defense operations in the area of responsibility, particularly in the sea waters of Southern Luzon.”

Torres said the warship patrols the Benham Rise and Exclusive Economic Zones to deter threats and hostilities.

“It (Southern Luzon waters) is peaceful compared to other regions and areas in Visayas and Mindanao. There are reported threat groups but they can no longer [conduct] big operations against the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

He also stressed the Navy is always ready with its capability and assets like the BRP Andres Bonifacio. The vessel is armed with anti-air and anti-surface warfares, fire support and a flight operation platform and can withstand heavy weather and rough sea operations and high endurance/long-range missions.

Meanwhile, the vessel is open for viewing and tour in order to showcase the strength of the Navy and to strengthen the collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring maritime protection and stability.

Torres did not say when the BRP Andres Bonifacio will be anchored near the Legazpi port.

RELATED STORY

PH Navy conducts ‘sovereignty patrol’ in Kalayaan Island Group