Manila, Feb. 13 -- The most advanced and up-to-date Philippine Navy (PN) naval vessels will be deployed to this year's "Balikatan" exercises with the United States military.

PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez told the Philippine News Agency that (guided-missile) frigates, the Rizal and Malvar classes, landing docks and fast interdiction craft-missile will be participating in the annual exercise.

"Ship commitments for BK (Balikatan) are usually discussed during the middle planning conference and the final planning conference, held last year, " she said.

This year's Balikatan is tentatively scheduled April to May.

The PN has two Jose Rizal-class guided missile frigates -- lead ship BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-15...