Frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ pays tribute to ‘Our Last Men in the Philippines’.

On Monday 9th the Spanish Navy frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ (F-104) in transit towards the Isle of Guam, made a port of call in Baler Bay (Philippines) to pay tribute to the so-called ‘our last men in the Philippines’. 121 years ago, Filipino revolutionaries laid siege to a fortified church manned by 54 colonial Spanish soldiers in the town of Baler for nearly a year, a glorious page in the military history of Spain.

A simple but solemn ceremony was organized on board the frigate, attended by the whole crew and local and regional authorities, accompanied by members of the Spanish Embassy to the Philippines.

Moreover, 21 servicemen visited the church where the Spanish soldiers took refuge and resisted fighting with courage and dying with honor.

Frigate ‘Méndez Núñez’ is currently participating in a voyage around the world to commemorate the 500 anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe by the Magellan/Elcano expedition. This deployment is also intended to promote the Defense Diplomacy, to support our naval industry, to strengthen the bonds of friendship with the countries the ship is visiting, and to show the commitment of Spain with global security.