The Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo S Brawner Jr PA with Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN, Commander, Philippine Fleet, along with other officials and guests during the Christening and Commissioning Ceremony of BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20) and BRP Audrey Bañares (PG910) on February 24, 2026, at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales.(Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)
NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila – The Philippine Navy christened and commissioned BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20) and BRP Audrey Bañares (PG910) into active service during a ceremony with General Romeo S Brawner Jr PA, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as Guest of Honor and Speaker, on February 24, 2026 at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales.
“As these ships enter service, they join a Philippine Navy that is forward-looking and mission-ready. They join a force that understands the complexities of our time — a force that balances firmness with diplomacy, vigilance with professionalism. The commissioning of a ship is the beginning of a commitment. From this day forward, PS20 and PG910 will sail into waters that demand competence, composure, and courage,” General Brawner Jr. PA said.
The Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo S Brawner Jr PA with Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN, Commander, Philippine Fleet, during the shipboard tour on February 24, 2026, at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)
The ceremony formally commissioned the two vessels into active service which strengthen the Navy’s ability to conduct maritime security operations, territorial defense, and sustained presence at sea. BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS20), the lead ship of the Rajah-Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) reflects the Philippine Navy’s continuing efforts to build a modern, multi-capable, self-reliant, and credible force.
Meanwhile, the fast-attack interdiction craft (FAIC), BRP Audrey Bañares (PG910), also honors the legacy of Philippine Navy SEAL Team member Engineman Third Class Jose Audrey A Bañares PN, whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire Filipino sailors and marines during the height of the Zamboanga seige.
“Both ships are tangible representations of our commitment to protect our seas and secure our people. BRP Rajah Sulayman is considered the first of her class, and as a modern offshore patrol vessel newly acquired for the fleet, she harnesses our capacity for sustained operations to bolster national defense. BRP Audrey Bañares adds depth and versatility to our patrol forces, reinforcing readiness and adaptability to address both traditional and emerging maritime security challenges,” the Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN said.
With the commissioning of these vessels, the Philippine Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime domain and supporting national and regional security objectives.
“As both vessels take their place within our fleet, I have no doubt that they shall be vital contributors to the conduct of our operations at sea and to the growth of our Navy,” Vice Admiral Ezpeleta added.