Philippines, South Korea Strengthen Defense Ties with Launch of BRP Diego Silang

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Philippines has taken a major step in strengthening its maritime defense with the formal launch of the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, Korea on March 27.

The event was attended by top Philippine defense officials, including AFP Chief of Staff Romeo S Brawner Jr, Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, and DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor B Mison Jr, along with HHI CEO Lee Sang Kyun.

The BRP Diego Silang, named after the Filipino revolutionary hero, is the sister ship of BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which also departed Korea today and is expected to arrive at the Subic Shipyard on April 8.

Both vessels, equipped with advanced weapons and radar systems, are part of the Philippine Navy’s ₱28-billion modernization contract with HHI, signed in 2021. These warships significantly enhance the country’s naval capabilities amid growing security challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

The addition of these two 3,200-ton corvettes reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation with South Korea.

This launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, a poignant reminder of the longstanding friendship and shared history between the Philippines and South Korea where Filipino troops fought to defend South Korea's sovereignty.

AFP Real Estate Office holds Change of Chief of Office and Retirement Ceremony

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Real Estate Office conducted a formal Change of Chief of Office and Retirement Ceremony today, March 28, at the CEISSAFP Social Hall, here.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP, Lieutenant General Rommel P Roldan PAF attended the activity as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

The event honored the dedicated service of Colonel Froilando G Angat PAF (GSC) as he retired from active duty, and welcomed his successor, Col Jessica O Barcil PAF (GSC) who is concurrently serving as Chief, Air Force Real Estate Office (AFREO).

Colonel Angat assumed the position of Chief, AFPREO in September 2023. He has previously served as the Group Commander of 900th Air Force Weather Group.

LtGen Roldan commended Col Agat’s unwavering commitment to the AFP, noting his role in fostering efficiency and integrity within the Real Estate Office.

He also encouraged the incoming leadership to embrace innovation and adaptability in managing AFP’s real estate assets to better serve the organization and its personnel.///

Photos by: A1C Castro PAF / PAOAFP

AFP honors retiring The Chief Engineer, welcomes new Acting Chief

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held a Change of Chief of Office and Retirement Ceremony for the Office of the Chief Engineer (OTCE) at Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers’ Country on March 26.

The event honored retiring Brigadier General Ulpiano T Olarte PA with Lieutenant General Rommel P Roldan PAF, The Deputy Chief of Staff AFP, presiding.

Prior to this role, BGen Olarte was the inaugural commander of the Philippine Army Combat Engineer Regiment (PACER), established in March 2024. Before leading PACER, BGen Olarter commanded the 55th Engineer "Mobilizer" Brigade. He was commissioned from the Officer Candidate School "Tanikala" Class of 1994.

The ceremony also served as the official handover of responsibilities to Brigadier General Jonjie C Juguilon PA who will now serve as the Acting Chief TCE, AFP.

LtGen Roldan, in his address, lauded BGen Olarte’s exemplary service and expressed confidence in BGen Juguilon’s ability to lead the office forward. He emphasized the importance of continuity and excellence in the AFP’s mission to protect and serve the Filipino people.///

Photos by: SSg Manzano PA / PAOAFP

AFP Multi-Sector Governance Council Holds 1st Quarter Meeting in Batanes, Visits Mavulis Island

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) successfully concluded its first quarter meeting in Batanes, culminating in a significant visit to Mavulis Island, the northernmost part of the Philippines.

The meeting, held on March 24, 2025 was focused on enhancing maritime domain awareness, addressing the province’s peace and security situation in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, and strengthening Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) capabilities.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including Hon. Ignacio C. Villa, Provincial Vice Governor of Batanes; LtGen Rommel P Roldan PAF, The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP; Mr. Francisco Del Rosario Jr., AFP MSGC Chairperson; BGen Joel M Paloma PA, AFP MSGC Head Secretariat and Chief, Office for Strategic Studies and Strategy Management; Mr. Justinne H. Socito, Public Administrator, Provincial Government of Batanes; and Ms. Melissa Gretchen C. Pama, Department Head, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Batanes.

The AFP MSGC, a vital advisory body composed of leaders and experts from various sectors, plays a crucial role in guiding the AFP in the implementation of its transformation roadmap towards its vision of becoming a world-class armed force.///

Photos by: A1C Castro PAF / PAOAFP

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