
The BRP Cape San Agustin is a significant addition to the Philippine Navy's capabilities, playing a crucial role in the country's maritime presence. It's a multi-mission ship designed for various tasks, including naval operations and humanitarian assistance.
The BRP Cape San Agustin is the second ship of the Jose Rizal-class, a class of multi-mission ships designed to enhance the Philippines' maritime presence and capabilities. Its advanced features and capabilities make it a valuable asset to the Philippine Navy.
With its advanced sensors and communication systems, the BRP Cape San Agustin can effectively conduct maritime patrols and surveillance, supporting the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Design and Features
The BRP Cape San Agustin is a well-equipped ship designed with a bulletproof navigation bridge. This feature provides a safe and secure command center for the crew.
The ship is also equipped with a work boat, which is a practical addition for tasks such as transporting personnel or equipment.
One of the standout features of the ship is its night vision capability, allowing the crew to operate effectively in low-light conditions.
Ship Design

The ship's design is a key aspect of its overall functionality. The ship was designed with a bulletproof navigation bridge.
This design feature provides an added layer of safety and security for the crew. The navigation bridge is a critical component of the ship's operations, and making it bulletproof is a wise decision.
The ship is also equipped with fire monitors, which are a vital tool for preventing and responding to fires on board. I've heard that fire monitors can be a game-changer in emergency situations.
Night vision capability is another feature that enhances the ship's operations, especially in low-light conditions. This allows the crew to navigate and perform tasks even in the dark.
A work boat is also included in the ship's design, which can be used for a variety of tasks such as transporting personnel or equipment. Work boats are often a welcome addition to any ship.
The ship's radio direction finder capability is another impressive feature, which enables it to detect and track radio signals. This is a valuable tool for reconnaissance and pursuit operations.
The ship's communications and radio monitoring equipment from Rohde & Schwarz is top-notch, specifically the M3SR Series 4400 and Series 4100 software-defined communication radios, and DDF205 radio monitoring equipment.
Information

The BRP CAPE SAN AGUSTIN is a Law Enforcement vessel sailing under the flag of the Philippines. It has the IMO number 9809485 and MMSI number 548171500.
Its current position is in the Philippine Sea, with coordinates 10.28958° / 123.90055°. This information was reported on 2025-03-25 22:12 by AIS to a vessel tracker app.
The vessel is currently inside the port of CEBU, moving at a speed of 0 Knots.
Events
The BRP Cape San Agustin has had its fair share of events over the years. It stopped moving at 03:40 on 2025-04-21, with a speed of 0 kn and a course of 257°, located at 9.13916 / 124.79463 TABOGON CEBU.
One notable event was its port departure from Cagayan de Oro on 2025-04-21 at 00:37. It was heading 2.02 nm north of Cagayan de Oro.
After departing Cagayan de Oro, the BRP Cape San Agustin started moving at 00:45 on 2025-04-21, with a speed of 13.8 kn and a course of 3°.
Here are the notable events in a timeline:
The BRP Cape San Agustin also stopped moving at 02:22 on 2025-04-20, with a speed of 0.2 kn and a course of 205°, located at 8.49987 / 124.66441 [PH] CAGAYAN DE ORO.
Patrol in Philippine Rise
The BRP Cape San Agustin is set to patrol in the Philippine Rise.
The Philippine Rise is a significant area due to the presence of minerals and natural gas. Solidified methane was reportedly found during mapping activities, and massive oil deposits are believed to be under its waters.
The Philippine Rise is also a major source of aquatic food, attracting migratory commercial fish species like tuna, mackerel, and marlin.
President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the patrols in the Philippine Rise after a Chinese vessel was reported to have conducted a scientific research in the area.
The PCG has six existing Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) that were commissioned between October 2016 and November 2017, and the BRP Cape San Agustin is the latest addition to these vessels.
The Philippine Rise is expected to be patrolled by seven research vessels, including the BRP Cape San Agustin, out of a total of 10 research ships included in the project.
Humanitarian Efforts
The BRP Cape San Agustin is a Philippine Navy ship that has been involved in various humanitarian efforts.
Its maiden voyage was to the city of Tacloban in the Philippines to assist in the relief efforts after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
The ship played a crucial role in the distribution of relief goods and supplies to affected areas.
The BRP Cape San Agustin has also participated in several international humanitarian missions, including a deployment to the Gulf of Aden to provide humanitarian assistance to a foreign ship in distress.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRP_Cape_San_Agustin
- https://www.myshiptracking.com/vessels/brp-cape-san-agustin-mmsi-548171500-imo-9809485
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/29/1801351/pcg-commissions-2-new-multi-role-vessels-japan
- https://mnltoday.ph/2018/03/12/brp-cape-san-agustin-to-patrol-in-philippine-rise/
- https://www.coastguard.gov.ph/index.php/news/11-news/4387-brp-cape-san-agustin-naghatid-ng-3-600-family-relief-packs-sa-surigao-del-norte
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