By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Philippine naval and coast guard vessels have joined a multinational task group sailing from Guam to Hawaii ahead of the 2026 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), reinforcing the country’s commitment to maritime security cooperation and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Gabriela Silang and the Philippine Navy’s BRP Miguel Malvar departed Guam alongside warships from Japan, Italy, South Korea, and Singapore for the voyage to Hawaii, where the world’s largest international maritime exercise will be held from June 24 to July 31.
Also participating in the multinational transit are Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kongo, Italian Navy frigate ITS Giovanni Delle Bande Nere, Republic of Korea Navy vessel ROKS Cheon Ja Bong, and Republic of Singapore Navy ship RSS Steadfast.
The six vessels are expected to arrive in Hawaii on June 21 to prepare for RIMPAC 2026, which is anticipated to bring together maritime forces from approximately 30 countries.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard said the joint voyage demonstrates the participating nations’ shared commitment to maintaining maritime security, protecting freedom of navigation, and strengthening cooperation under a rules-based international order.
“The activity underscored the participating nations’ shared commitment to promoting maritime security, ensuring freedom of navigation, and advancing cooperation in support of a rules-based international order,” the PCG said.
The agency noted that coordinated maneuvers and professional engagements during the transit have enhanced interoperability among participating forces while improving their collective readiness to respond to common maritime challenges.
BRP Gabriela Silang, under the command of Capt. Jomark Angue, carries 98 Coast Guard personnel composed of members of the Special Operations Force, Cyber Security Command, Search and Rescue units, humanitarian assistance teams, information specialists, and medical personnel.
These specialized teams are expected to participate in various operational, humanitarian, and maritime security activities throughout the duration of the exercise.
Held biennially and hosted by the United States Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC is considered the premier multinational naval exercise in the world. The drills are designed to strengthen military cooperation, enhance interoperability among allied and partner forces, and improve collective capabilities in addressing regional and global maritime security concerns.
The Philippines’ participation comes amid increasing efforts by regional partners to deepen defense and security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, particularly in safeguarding international sea lanes and upholding international maritime law.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government reaffirmed its economic partnership with Japan, describing Tokyo as a key advocate of a transparent, non-discriminatory, and rules-based multilateral trading system, highlighting the growing strategic ties between the two nations.
ia/mnm
