In a significant display of maritime readiness, three of teh Philippines’ most advanced warships recently conducted a strategic unilateral exercise in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The drills, aimed at boosting crew proficiency and operational efficiency, took place near Bajo de Masinloc, a highly contested area in the region.
Lt. Commander Randy Garbo,chief of the Philippine Fleet Public Affairs Office,emphasized the importance of the exercise. “Officers and crew of the three vessels trained on routine surface operations,fostering their expertise and mastery in handling and manning the modern systems toward the efficient utilization of these combat ships in support of the Navy’s overall mission,” he stated.
The participating vessels included the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), a cutting-edge multi-mission frigate, and two Del Pilar-class patrol ships, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17). These capital ships represent the pinnacle of the Philippine Navy’s fleet,designed to handle the most demanding maritime challenges.
Commander John Percie Alcos, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, highlighted the routine nature of such exercises. “Normally, all warships, even those of different navies, conduct regular exercises. It just so happened that the three of them were in the same vicinity, so thay had the prospect to conduct warfighting exercises amongst them,” he explained.
Alcos further stressed the broader purpose of these drills. ”Ang purpose nito (the purpose) is for us to be very competent in the four dimensions of warfare, which is anti-surface, anti-air, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare,” he said. This continuous training ensures that the Navy remains prepared to safeguard the nation’s waters against any threat.
The exercise underscores the philippine Navy’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and security. By sharpening their skills and enhancing interoperability, these drills play a critical role in ensuring the fleet is always ready to protect the country’s maritime interests.
