Manila, Dec. 26 -- With the commissioning of the two Miguel Malvar-class guided-missile frigates this year, the Philippine Navy (PN) has effectively reinforced its missile capability - a significant upgrade in the face of lingering tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

For 2025, the PN has doubled the number of its missile-armed major surface combatants from two to four, with the addition of BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) and BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07).

BRP Miguel Malvar, the PN's most advanced frigate, was officially commissioned on May 20 during the Navy's 127th anniversary. Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had described its arrival as "a critical step toward developing a self-reliant and credible defense pos...