Manila, Jan. 26 -- The Philippine Navy (PN)'s brand-new offshore patrol vessel, the future Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), and its five sister ships, which will be delivered within the next two to three years, can be configured for search-and-rescue (SAR) missions if needed.

This was emphasized by PN spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez when asked by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) if these new ships have the ability to conduct SAR aside from its original mission of monitoring, patrolling and defending Philippine waters from intruders.

"The OPVs have mission modules in order for it to perform specific missions like SAR, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, anti-submarine warfare and other (taskings that it may be delegated)," she adde...