Decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel to become tourist attraction in the Southern Philippines

The decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel BRP Rizal (PS-74) is slated to become the newest tourist attraction in the Southern Philippines.

Dinagat Islands governor Nilo Demerey Jnr announced on Monday, 24th March, that he formally received approval for the vessel’s transfer.

Originally lodged in October 2022, Demerey’s request to acquire the BRP Rizal was finally cleared by the US State Department as the vessel was built in the United States.

Demerey said: “We’re scheduled to meet Philippine Navy officials this week to process the transfer documents.”

A storied vessel

Originally named the USS Murrelet (AM-372), the vessel was built during the Second and will find a new life as a floating museum, hotel, and educational facility for both local and foreign tourists.

The Auk-class minesweeper served in the Korean War before being transferred to the Philippines in 1965 under US military assistance. 

It was decommissioned in January 2020.

According to Demerey: “The people of Dinagat are grateful to both US and Philippine administrations for this approval.”