The BRP Jose Rizal, the Philippines' first missile frigate is docked at Subic Bay, Zambales. Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said efforts to upgrade the Navy remain intact despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (File photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office) PASIG CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine Navy has upgraded its arsenal to effectively defend the country's territorial waters as part of the government's efforts to modernize the military. Early this year, the Navy commissioned its first-ever missile frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), this, despite the challenges brought by the ongoing COVID-19 health emergency pandemic.