PH Navy Holds Arrival Ceremony for Its Newest Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-2), the Future BRP Rajah Lakandula

10 Mei 2026

BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21) (photos: Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy marked the arrival of its Offshore Patrol Vessel 2 (OPV 2), the future BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21) during a ceremony on May 8, 2026 at Naval Operating Base-Subic, with the Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy , Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N Valencia PN, serving as Keynote Speaker.

Also present during the ceremony was the Flag Officer In Command, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN and the Commander, Philippine Fleet, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN.

The vessel, constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and scheduled to be formally commissioned at a later date, arrived in the country on May 4, 2026, signifies another milestone in the Navy’s ongoing capability development efforts.

“When this ship sails, the spirit of Rajah Lakandula sails with it — steadfast, wise, and unyielding. We are telling the world that we are a peace-loving nation. Our resolve to protect what is ours is as deep as the trenches of the Philippines,” Vice Admiral Valencia emphasized as he highlighted the significance of the vessel’s arrival and its namesake, Rajah Lakandula, the pre-colonial ruler of Tondo and a symbol of courage and leadership in Philippine history.

The arrival of the future BRP Rajah Lakandula underscores the Philippine Navy’s commitment to enhancing maritime security operations and maintaining a credible naval presence. 

With the addition of this asset, the Philippine Navy continues to strengthen its ability to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain and support national security objectives.

(Philippine Navy)