Manila, Jan. 5 -- A ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official on Monday said the service's fleet expansion is going well with the acquisition and commissioning of major surface combatants that has bolstered its defensive capabilities.

PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad was referring to the commissioning of the two Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigates and Acero-class fast-attack interdiction craft last year.

He said acquisition of these naval vessels showcases the PN's ongoing fleet expansion.

Trinidad earlier said the arrival of the Miguel Malvar-class frigates in PN service will add to the "capital ships of the Navy that (are) capable of patrolling all the way up to our EEZ (exclusiv...