The BRP Gregorio del Pilar frigates is one of the two Philippine Navy flagships. The warship arrived Tuesday in Zamboanga City as part of its routine patrol and port visits across the country.
BRP Gregorio del Pilar are equipped with long range radar that can detect other vessel in the vast sea, an armament of 25mm Mk. 38 Mod. 2 close-in weapons system and its main weapon system the 76mm Oto Melara. However the frigates lack of missile capability.
According to Philippine Navy Captain Vincent Sibala, a commander of BRP Gregorio del Pilar maintained that they strictly follow the trust of the Philippine government not to escalate the situation at the west Philippine Sea.
Navy Captain Vincent Sibala also disclose they are expecting to acquire another the same type of vessel to boost its maritime capability. He is also expecting from the Government they will acquire the missile capability of the ship. The BRP Gregorio del Pilar will proceed to Davao City as part of her next port of call.
The Philippine government spent more than Php 400 million to acquire BRP Gregorio Del Pilar under the US defense excess article program aside from weapon system upgrade.
