PH Navy’s Andres Bonifacio repaired, ready for mission again

MANILA, Philippines—The BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), one of the Philippine Navy’s most capable ships, is heading back to sea after completing repairs and upgrades for more than a year.

The PS-17 completed its dry dock time for repairs in Subic, Zambales last July 21, according to the Facebook page devoted to the ship in a statement on Tuesday (Aug. 31).

The ship also finished a maintenance program early this month and carried out successful sea trials. It was declared mission-ready last Aug. 25.

Some of the minor improvements included capacity to replenish at sea, an MK38 25 mm machine gun system installed, new gun mounts and more tertiary guns.

“In no time, the ship will be once again patrolling our territorial waters, EEZ (exclusive economic zone), and other maritime areas of interest,” read the statement.

The Andres Bonifacio is the third and final ship of Gregorio del Pilar class patrol ships of the Philippine Navy. These vessels were former Hamilton-class all-weather, high endurance cutters of the US Coast Guard.

The ships carry out sovereignty patrols, maritime security, naval warfare, and other missions. The Bonifacio entered service in 2016.

TSB