SUBIC, Zambales — From the conference room to the open sea, maritime security delegates from ASEAN Member States and Plus Partner countries came together to strengthen cooperation, exchange expertise, and build greater understanding of shared maritime challenges as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (EWG on MS) Joint Cooperative Activity (JCA) and Future Leaders’ Program (FLP) concluded on September 25, 2026.
The week-long activity brought participating countries together through a series of shore-based and at-sea engagements designed to strengthen interoperability, facilitate knowledge exchange, and enhance practical cooperation in the maritime domain.
Participating ADMM countries included the Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines,Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Plus partners like Australia, Japan, India, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States. France and United Kingdom also participated as international observers.
The closing ceremony featured remarks from Rear Admiral Edwin M Nera PN and Rear Admiral Terada Hiroyuki JMSDF (Ret), Co-Chairs of the ADMM-Plus EWG on MS, who highlighted the importance of sustaining dialogue and cooperation in addressing common maritime security concerns.
Serving as Guest of Honor and Speaker, Major General Edwin E Amadar PN(M), Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, underscored the significance of the multilateral engagement, emphasizing that the ASEAN-led initiative further reinforces cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges in support of a stable, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
The JCA and FLP featured subject matter expert exchanges, discussions on key maritime security issues, shipboard activities, and coordinated at-sea exercises, providing participants opportunities to share expertise, strengthen interoperability, and enhance practical cooperation.
As co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus EWG on MS, the Philippines and Japan continue to advance initiatives that bring regional and international partners together in pursuit of greater understanding and cooperation toward a secure, peaceful, and resilient maritime region.

Subic, Zambales – The Philippine Navy (PN) welcomed the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) contingent aboard His Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Supply (A195), the lead ship of the Supply-class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels, for a five-day port visit to Subic, Zambales, from August 19 to 24, 2026, further strengthening maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.

The engagement commenced with a Meeting Procedure at Sea in the vicinity of Grande Island, followed by a Welcome Ceremony at Rivera Wharf, Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Commander Jose Maria V Santos PN, Chief of Staff, Sealift Amphibious Force, PF, PN, served as the PN representative and led the welcoming contingent, joined by senior officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Fleet, Philippine Navy.

The visit included a courtesy call by Commander Kylie Turnbull RAN, Commanding Officer of HMAS Supply, and delegation on the Commander, Philippine Fleet (PF), Commodore Raul A Regis PN, represented by Deputy Commander, Philippine Fleet, Commodore Lorenzo H Bolor Jr PN. Also present was Commodore Junjie B Tabuada PN, Commander, Sealift Amphibious Force, PF, PN.

During the courtesy call, Commodore Bolor welcomed the Australian contingent and expressed appreciation for the visit. Both sides discussed previous Australian naval ship visits, the first Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) conducted with a sister ship of HMAS Supply, and potential future training opportunities to further enhance naval cooperation and interoperability.

The port visit will conclude on August 24 with a formal Send-Off Ceremony at Rivera Wharf, followed by a Passing Exercise (PASSEX), providing both navies an opportunity to further enhance interoperability and operational coordination at sea.

The visit underscores the longstanding partnership between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy and their shared commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, enhancing operational interoperability, and contributing to peace and stability in the region.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City, received a Plaque of Appreciation from the Sealift Amphibious Force (SAF) in recognition of its partnership in implementing environmental protection and natural resource management initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship.
CENRO Olongapo City Head Edward Sernadilla said the office has worked closely with the Sealift Amphibious Force in carrying out environmental programs and collaborative activities that strengthen conservation efforts while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources within their respective areas of responsibility.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the recognition reflects the importance of sustained partnerships in protecting the country’s natural resources.
“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Our partnership with SAF demonstrates how government agencies can work together to safeguard our forests, coastal areas, and marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable development and national security,” Pablo said.
For her part, Marife Castillo, head of the DENR provincial office in Zambales, said collaboration remains essential in addressing environmental challenges in the province.
“Zambales is home to valuable coastal and marine ecosystems that support biodiversity and the livelihoods of many communities. Through our continued partnership SAF and other stakeholders, we can further strengthen conservation efforts and ensure these natural resources remain protected for future generations,” Castillo ended.
The recognition was conferred during the celebration of the Sealift Amphibious Force’s 80th Founding Anniversary, marking eight decades of dedicated service in strengthening the country’s maritime defense capabilities and supporting sealift and amphibious operations.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES ― Marine anti-ship missile launchers and air defense rolled off contracted Philippine commercial transport vessels onto an island in the middle of the Luzon Strait near Taiwan during drills earlier this month.
The 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) worked with their Philippine counterparts to transport the unit’s maritime strike and air defense systems to Calayan Island during the 10th iteration of the Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat drills, according to a news release published June 20 by the U.S. Marine Corps. Abbreviated as KAMANDAG, the Marine drills have gradually shifted toward coastal defense activities facing the South China Sea and Luzon Strait.
“The modern littoral environment requires us to rapidly move our forces across challenging maritime terrain,” Maj. Robert Moore, a logistics officer assigned with the regiment, said in the release on the drills.
From the dispersed archipelagos that dot the strategic waters between the Philippines and Taiwan, Marines can hold maritime traffic transiting the Luzon Strait from 100 nautical miles away with the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS). The MLR will operate up to 18 of the Naval Strike Missile-armed unmanned vehicles within its anti-ship missile battery, which are further divided into six sections of three launchers each.
“By integrating existing infrastructure, commercial ferries and roll-on, roll-off vessels, the combined force sustained movement across the Batanes Islands during the bilateral maneuvers,” reads the news release.
The MLR fields the Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems, protecting NMESIS from aerial threats. The service deploys two variants of the Joint Tactical Vehicle-mounted systems to provide close-in air defense against attack aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. During KAMANDAG, MADIS was deployed alongside NMESIS on commercial Philippine ferries.
Marines with the 3rd MLR have rehearsed scattered deployments across the Babuyan and Batannes Island Groups in recent years during exercises such as KAMANDAG and Balikatan to test their coverage of the archipelagos.
“By integrating existing infrastructure, commercial ferries and roll-on, roll-off vessels, the combined force sustained movement across the Batanes Islands during the bilateral maneuvers,” reads the release.
The MLR plans to use the upcoming McClung-class Landing Ship Mediums (LSM) to move their ship-killing missiles, but the first LSM will not enter service until 2029. Marines have turned to alternative means to maneuver their forces and meet Force Design concepts in the meantime, integrating U.S. Army logistics support vessels and local civilian transports into their operations.
Getting these anti-ship missiles to the remote islands separating Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines is critical in Washington’s plans to counter Beijing in a potential conflict. Marine and Army leadership view ground-based launchers as key to blunting China’s large fleet. Both services are fielding concepts, formations and tactics designed to rapidly insert missiles into these strategic areas.
Through recent deployments to the region, U.S. forces in the Western Pacific now maintain a forward-based maritime strike capability along the first island chain through MLR deployments of NMESIS. Last week, the service announced that the Okinawa-based 12th MLR received the anti-ship missile launchers. The Army’s Mid-Range Capability, which is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6s for maritime strike operations, has also been flown to the Philippines and Japan. (Aaron-Matthew Lariosa, USNI News)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone June 14-19 2026. This activity demonstrated a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
As the seventh MCA of 2026, this iteration included U.S. Navy, Army, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps participation and focused on littoral maneuver and amphibious assault subject matter expert exchange and training, in addition to visit, board, search, and seizure; maritime interdiction operations; search and rescue; and maritime law enforcement training. These regular at-sea events expand the interoperability of our respective military doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures between the armed forces of the U.S. and Philippines.
“We always look forward to meaningful engagements with our allies and partners to demonstrate our commitment to the region,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Ethan Goldcamp, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145). “The crew of Emlen Tunnell takes pride in upholding the Coast Guard’s core belief of maritime governance and demonstrating professionalism to reinforce the rule of law at sea, so collaborating with our allies and partners to do that is even more rewarding for us.”
MCAs are conducted in a manner consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety, navigational rights, and freedoms of all nations.
Participating units included two Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jets, one Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan EX Sokol helicopters; Philippine Coast Guard Teresa Magbanua-class patrol vessel BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV 9702) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV 4407); Philippine Navy Jose Miguel Malvar-class frigate Diego Silang (FFG 7), one AW159 helicopter; U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel-class fast response cutters USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141), USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145); U.S. Marine Corps 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment; and U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
“I’m incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the Charles Moulthrope team during this MCA,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Patrick Dixon, commanding officer of Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141). “This is our first time operating with our Filipino partners, and we were able to seamlessly integrate and demonstrate our interoperability. These professional exchanges strengthen our mutual capacity and create opportunities to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The U.S., along with its allies and partners, upholds the right to freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law. U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, routinely operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs)

Subic Bay, Zambales—On June 22, the U.S. government transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUSVs) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The delivery of these systems, valued at approximately Php754 million ($13 million), demonstrates the United States’ commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and to a free and open Indo-Pacific by enhancing the Philippines’ ability to detect and respond to maritime challenges and illegal maritime activities.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Bridgette Walker, U.S. Embassy Senior Defense Official and Chief of the Joint US. Military Assistance Group-Philippines Colonel Daniel Oh, Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Cabahug-Orbe, and Philippine Navy Unmanned Surface Vessel Unit Acting Commander Lt. Cmdr. Aldwin Pasicolan led the turnover ceremony at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Operating Base Subic.
The Triton AUSVs are capable of collecting data above and below the ocean’s surface through a resilient mesh network. The Tritons are solar-powered, allowing each unit to operate for up to 30 days for improved decision-making at the tactical and operational levels.
“The four Ocean Aero Triton AUSVs we are transferring today represent something important: the future of maritime security is not just about platforms¬—it is about capability, speed, and reach,” Chargé d’Affaires Walker said in her remarks. “The Indo-Pacific’s maritime domain is vast, contested, and critical, and the Philippines sits at the heart of it. The ability to monitor and respond to maritime challenges—illegal fishing, gray zone activities, and threats to freedom of navigation—requires persistent, long-endurance awareness that no single ship or aircraft can provide alone. The Triton fills that gap by expanding the capabilities of the Philippine Navy into critical waterways,” she added.
The delivery demonstrates how aligned investments, training, and shared standards translate into credible, ready capabilities that deter aggression and support regional stability. “Today’s delivery highlights our enduring commitment to stand with the Philippines and invest in Alliance modernization in a manner that supports the bilateral Philippines-U.S. Security Sector Assistance Roadmap objectives,” said Colonel Oh. “These unmanned capabilities support the AFP’s transition to territorial defense and improve awareness in critical waterways. The next step is to assist the Philippines integrate these new capabilities in their employment and sustainment concepts.”
The United States and the Philippines stand shoulder to shoulder as ironclad Allies, bound by shared history, common values, and an unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Stronger together at sea!

U.S. Department of War, U.S. Coast Guard, and Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a Maritime Cooperative Activity in the Exclusive Economic Zone to reaffirm our shared commitment to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) officially launched KAMANDAG Exercise 10-2026 on June 15, 2026 during an opening ceremony at Acero Hall, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

This year’s exercise brings together forces from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC), with representatives from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Thailand participating as observers.

Training activities will be conducted across Northern and Central Luzon, Palawan, Tawi-Tawi, and Cavite, focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, airfield and island defense, seaborne maneuver, military free fall, and close air support to enhance interoperability and operational readiness.

Brigadier General Bob R. Apostol PN(M), Exercise Director, underscored KAMANDAG’s role as a premier multinational training platform that strengthens cooperation, readiness, and interoperability among partner forces.

Now on its 10th iteration, KAMANDAG continues to reinforce military partnerships and support collective efforts toward a peaceful, stable, and free Indo-Pacific region.

The Philippine Navy, through Naval Task Group 84, and the Italian Navy further deepened their professional partnership through personnel exchange activity conducted on June 8, 2026 while in transit to Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026.
The exchange provided officers and enlisted personnel from the Philippine Navy’s BRP Miguel Malvar FFG6 – PF and ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere (P 434) of the Italian Navy with the opportunity to observe shipboard operations, share best practices, and enhance understanding of each navies’ capabilities.
During the exchange, Philippine and Italian naval personnel engaged in discussions and practical observations covering essential shipboard functions. The participants also took part in cultural interactions that fostered camaraderie and strengthened professional relationships among sailors of both navies.
The Philippine Navy remains committed to expanding engagements with like-minded maritime nations, in pursuit of a secure, stable, and rules-based maritime environment.
PN @128: Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady — Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday formally sent off Naval Task Group 84, the contingent aboard guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which will take part in this year’s “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026 to be held in and around the waters of Hawaii from June 24 to July 31.
Send-off ceremonies took place at Naval Operating Base-Subic, Zambales, with Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta spearheading the event.
“This ceremony is important since our last ship deployment to RIMPAC dates back to 2022. As such, our return to this multinational activity highlights our commitment to becoming a ‘credible partner’ under our Sail Plan 2040 vision. We likewise strengthen maritime cooperation with partner nations and navies in order to continue advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the PN chief said.
Representing the PN at this year’s exercise is BRP Miguel Malvar, with a contingent of naval personnel who will take part in a series of professional exchanges and operational activities alongside naval forces from participating nations.
This year’s exercise, likewise, marks the inaugural participation of the Philippine Coast Guard in RIMPAC, which is deploying the offshore patrol vessel BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), highlighting strengthened interagency maritime cooperation and a more integrated Philippine representation in multinational maritime engagements.
RIMPAC is the world’s largest maritime exercise held biennially.
“I trust that every sailor and marine who will embark on this mission will demonstrate excellence and a forward-looking mindset in everything that you will do – epitomizing a new era of maritime capability for the Philippines,” Ezpeleta said.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet said this year’s RIMPAC will bring 31 nations and will feature a multinational force of approximately 40 surface ships, fice submarines, 140 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel.
The exercise will cover a wide range of capabilities including amphibious operations, gunnery and missile proficiency, anti-submarine warfare, air defense exercises, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations. (PNA)