She was originally built as USS PCE-897, a PCE-842-class patrol craft for the United States Navy during World War II.

[6] In January 1973, RPS Iloilo gave naval gunfire support to Army and Scout Ranger teams at Sibalo Hill, Jolo when the rebel forces tried to retake this strategic place which had been captured by the Marines in 1972.

Vicente Escala (PN), provided pre-assault bombardment in support of Landing Force 33 during Operation "Pamukpok" against the insurgent group in Tuburan, Basilan led by Huden Abubakar Aka Juden Salikala.

[8] The next day, RPS Iloilo delivered sustained and accurate naval gunfire on Canas Island, Basilan and succeeded in extricating pinned down ground troops.

[7] In November 1973, RPS Iloilo delivered gunfire support for groun troops and also conducted naval mopping-up operations in Tawi-Tawi.

[7] In December 2009, Iloilo and BRP Alberto Navarette (PG-394) conducted sea surface search and rescue operations for any survivors on the sinking of MB Baleno 9.