Manila, Jan. 21 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) said future offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) and five other soon-to-arrive sister ships will enhance the country's capability to protect its maritime zones, which include the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and fisherfolk plying its waters.

"Our OPVs shall stand as a modern symbol of courage, as they will primarily contribute to safeguarding our maritime domain and patrolling the Philippines' exclusive economic zone," PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta said during BRP Rajah Sulayman's arrival ceremony, which took place at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales on Tuesday.

The Navy refers to Rajah Sulayman as a "future" ship since it has yet to be...