MANILA – Joint Philippine and allied forces are carrying out high-level maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea under this year’s “Balikatan,” with activities forming part of a multinational maritime event scheduled from April 20 to May 1.
In a Thursday statement, the Balikatan Combined Joint Information Bureau (CJIB) said the exercises involve advanced operations such as gunnery training, anti-submarine coordination, integrated air and missile defense, and logistical resupply at sea. These efforts aim to boost interoperability and operational preparedness among participating nations.
Details regarding the precise locations and timing of the drills were not provided.
Among the Philippine assets deployed were the guided-missile frigates BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Antonio Luna, an AW-159 helicopter for anti-submarine missions, and the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cape San Agustin.
Participating allies brought in their own vessels, including the United States’ USS Ashland and USCGC Midgett; Japan’s JS Ikazuchi, JS Shimokita, and JS Ise; Australia’s HMAS Toowoomba; and Canada’s HMCS Charlottetown and M/V Asterix.
The exercises also covered communication coordination, maneuvering drills, search and rescue scenarios, and maritime control operations.
The CJIB noted that these activities reflect a shared commitment among the Philippines and its partners to strengthen defense cooperation and maintain peace and stability in the region, while enhancing the country’s ability to protect its maritime domain.
In a separate interview, Balikatan spokesperson Marine Col. Dennis Hernandez said Chinese vessels were seen trailing the exercise but remained at a distance and did not engage in any unsafe behavior.
He also clarified that the drills are not intended to target any nation.
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