BRP Waray (LC-288) is a heavy landing craft of the Philippine Navy. From 1972 to 2012, it was known as and served the Royal Australian Navy.[1] Betano was decommissioned in December 2012 and stored until it was sold by the Australian government to the Philippine Navy to assist in improving the country's humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities.[2]
Prior to commissioning with the Philippine Navy, the ship, together with the former HMAS Balikpapan and HMAS Wewak, underwent refurbishing, refit, and servicing works in Cebu for a few months.[3]
The ship was commissioned to Philippine Navy, together with two other sister ships and a new landing platform dock, on 1 June 2016 in Manila.[4]
In November 2018, BRP Waray conducted a Community Outreach and Education Program to counter violent extremism in Barangay Doña Consuelo, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental that benefited 2,137 individuals. The crew of BRP Waray were later given the Military Merit Medal (Philippines) for their participation in the operation.[5]
In December 2018, the ship together with the, Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) Mk 1 (BA-484),, Philippine Marine Corps and Naval Special Operations Group units conducted an amphibious operation on Minis Island, Patikul, Sulu that resulted in the neutralization of seven Abu Sayyaf bandits, apprehension of 10 individuals and the recovery of several firearms and other war materials. The crew of BRP Waray were later given the Bronze Cross Medal for their participation in the operation.[5]
In June 2019, BRP Waray with personnel from the Naval Intelligence Service Unit 62 and Naval Special Operations Unit 6 intercepted M/L Lady Rosmina off the waters of Zamboanga City based on a tip that it was undertaking human trafficking operations. Over 100 victims were rescued, they were supposed to be brought to Malaysia thru Tawi-Tawi.[6]