The Philippine Navy (PN) has received a significant boost to its littoral combat capability with the commissioning of two former United States Navy Cyclone-class patrol vessels. These vessels, BRP Valentin Diaz (PS-177) and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178), were officially christened and commissioned at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The addition of these Alvarez-class patrol ships signifies a pivotal step in enhancing the PN’s ability to conduct littoral and coastal patrol operations. In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. highlighted the importance of these vessels in safeguarding the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and other jurisdictions. The littoral combat capability provided by these ships will play a crucial role in defending the nation’s interests in coastal and shallow waters. These newly commissioned vessels are named after Filipino patriots who played pivotal roles in the Katipunan and the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonial rule in 1896.
Defense Secretary Teodoro also expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation and collaboration with the United States, emphasizing the shared commitment to a rules-based international order and the importance of international law in maritime matters.
The PN Chief, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., underscored the significance of the Alvarez-class patrol vessels, citing their speed and reliability as assets that enable rapid response to emergencies in littoral battle spaces. These vessels will empower the Navy to address various security challenges, from piracy and illicit activities to disaster response and maritime law enforcement.
Captain Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson, explained that the BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa are perfectly suited for patrol operations, interdiction, surveillance, and response to emergencies in coastal areas. These vessels, with their firepower and lethality, are essential for maintaining a secure maritime environment within the Philippines’ porous borders and vast maritime expanse.
US Ambassador to Manila, Marykay Carlson, highlighted the strategic significance of these vessels, emphasizing their importance to the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region. She commended the Philippines for its dedication to upholding international order and defending its rights in the West Philippine Sea. Carlson also noted that the commissioning of these vessels marks a critical moment in the Indo-Pacific’s increasingly complex maritime security environment.
The two Cyclone-class patrol vessels were transferred to the Philippines as part of the United States’ Excess Defense Article program. They were stationed in Bahrain at the time of their decommissioning and were delivered to the Philippines in May. These vessels, weighing approximately 328.5 long tons and measuring 179 feet in length, 25 feet in beam, and 7.5 feet in draft, boast a maximum speed of 32 to 35 knots and a range of 2,000 to 2,500 nautical miles. Armed with 25mm auto-cannons and high-powered machine guns, they are well-equipped for a range of maritime operations. The addition of the BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa to the Philippine Navy’s fleet represents a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s littoral combat capability. These vessels symbolize the strong partnership between the Philippines and the United States in preserving maritime security, upholding international law, and ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
