Manila, Jan. 11 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) will be in a more comfortable position to carry out its patrol mandate once the two missile-armed frigates, currently being constructed by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), gets delivered in two years' time.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the statement Friday when asked whether the Navy has sufficient assets to perform its duties, as several of its most capable ships are slated for periodic maintenance and upgrades.
This includes its flagship, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15), which is still awaiting its replacement propellers following its grounding at the Hasa-Hasa Shoal on August 29 last year.
The ship is expected to become available for patrol duties by the...