Manila, March 23 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) has renumbered the hull or pennant numbers of its ships in line with its ongoing acquisition of more modern surface combatants aimed at boosting its fleet's capabilities.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency Monday, PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez said the renumbering is based on the "update of its internal policy on the designation and classification of naval vessels."

"The update expands the policy's scope to include modern naval assets and introduces a standardized system for vessel designation and numbering to ensure consistency in the classification, identification and commissioning of naval platforms," she added.

For instance, the PN's first guided missile frigates, the BR...