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)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) promptly responded to a distressed fishing boat (FFB) Maria Luisa in the waters off Palauig Point, Zambales, on June 1, 2026.

At approximately 7:02 PM, BRP Cabra arrived at the distressed vessel’s location and immediately coordinated with its crew. A skiff boat was subsequently deployed to transport PCG personnel onboard to conduct an inspection and assess the condition of the vessel.
During the inspection conducted at around 7:20 PM, the PCG team found that the vessel’s propeller shaft bushing was severely worn, causing significant water ingress through the shaft. As an immediate safety measure, the crew applied sealant to temporarily contain the leak and prevent further flooding.
Following the assessment, FFB Maria Luisa was declared unserviceable at sea and required afloat repairs and towing assistance to ensure of the boat safety and its crew.
At about 10:21 AM June 3, 2026, FFB Maria Luisa and its nine (9) crew members safely arrived in Silanguin Isalnd, Zambales and were turned over to Coast Guard Station Zambales for appropriate disposition and further assistance.
The PCG remains steadfast in safeguarding lives at sea by ensuring timely maritime response operations, in support of the Bagong Pilipinas vision of responsive public service and national resilience.
[Photos by: ASN Balita PCG/CGPAS]

The National Task Force (NTF) – West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday reported the movement of a small Chinese structure to a lagoon inside the Bajo de Masinloc (BJDM).
In a press conference in Quezon City, NTF–WPS Spokesperson, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the structure was first spotted being moved by two boats on May 31.
Through an aerial survey of the structure, the NTF-WPS confirmed its presence and found it had a deck area of 30 square meters, surrounded by fenders, possibly anchored and floats, or supported by metal stilts when stationary.
According to their investigation, two Chinese research vessels—Yue Xia Yu Zhi 20028 and Yue Zhan Yu Ke 6—were first spotted in the southeast entrance of BJDM on May 21.
By May 25, satellite imagery captured an unusual square object in the same location, with a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, confirming the structure and reported that one person was onboard the structure on May 26.
On May 28, a PCG MDA flight confirmed the structure and spotted a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) helicopter operating in the vicinity.
On May 30, another MDA flight of the PCG saw six personnel aboard the structure, including the installation of an antenna on a rock near the entrance to the BJDM lagoon. A PLA fighter intercepted the PCG aircraft during its MDA flight.
As of May 31, the NTF-WPS said there were eight unknown structures and objects in the BJDM, including buoys, antennas, and the square structure.
The BJDM is located 119.65 nautical miles from Palauig, Zambales, and is around 500 nautical miles from Hainan, China.
During the conference, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr. expressed concern over the presence of the platform, saying it violates Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction as well as international law.
To date, the DFA has also filed diplomatic protests, called for the removal of the structure, and the cessation of similar activities in the area. (PNA)

The Philippine Navy held the christening ceremony for BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21) on May 26, 2026, at Quay 7, Naval Operating Base–Subic, Zambales, as part of its 128th Anniversary celebration, with Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN, Commander, Philippine Fleet, as keynote speaker.
“Today’s unveiling of the ship’s name and bow number represents more than identity – it represents purpose. It reflects the continuing modernization of the Philippine Navy and our resolve to build a force that is more capable, responsive, and prepared to protect our maritime domain,” Rear Admiral Orbe said.
Ahead of its commissioning, the christening ceremony formally unveiled the ship’s name and bow number which marks an important milestone in the vessel’s integration into the Philippine Navy fleet and symbolizing its future role in strengthening the country’s maritime defense and security capabilities.
“As we formally christen BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21), may she sail with honor, strength, and purpose. May she serve as a symbol of courage, dedication, and national pride for generations of Filipino sailors to come,” Rear Admiral Orbe added.
BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21), a Rajah Sulayman-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), reflects the Philippine Navy’s continuing efforts to build a modern, multi-capable, self-reliant, and credible force capable of addressing evolving maritime challenges and safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) announced the conduct of arrival ceremonies for the prospective offshore patrol vessel (OPV), BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS-21), at the Naval Operating Base Subic, Zambales on Friday.
PN public affairs office chief Capt. Marie Angelica DC Sisican said in a statement on Saturday that the ship arrived in the country on May 4.
The prospective BRP Rajah Lakandula is the sister ship of the BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), which was commissioned into service in February.
The BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first of the six OPVs ordered from South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, at a cost of about PHP30 billion. These ships measure 94.4 meters long and 14.3 meters wide, with a displacement of 2,400 tons, a maximum speed of 22 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and a range of 5,500 nautical miles.
Sisican said Philippine Military Academy Superintendent, Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia, served as the keynote speaker for the arrival ceremonies.
Also present during the ceremony was PN chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta and Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe.
The vessel, set to be formally commissioned at a later date, signifies another milestone in the Navy’s ongoing capability development efforts.
“When this ship sails, the spirit of Rajah Lakandula sails with it – steadfast, wise, and unyielding. We are telling the world that we are a peace-loving nation. Our resolve to protect what is ours is as deep as the trenches of the Philippines,” Valencia said as he highlighted the significance of the vessel’s arrival and its namesake, Rajah Lakandula, the pre-colonial ruler of Tondo and a symbol of courage and leadership in Philippine history.
The arrival of the future BRP Rajah Lakandula underscores the Philippine Navy’s commitment to enhancing maritime security operations and maintaining a credible naval presence.
“With the addition of this asset, the PN continues to strengthen its ability to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain and support national security objectives,” Sisican said. (PNA)

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines hosted the closing ceremony of Exercise Balikatan 2026, May 8, marking the successful completion of the largest annual military exercise between the Philippines and the United States.
The ceremony was a celebration of a successful exercise and a reminder of the shared values that underpin it. This 41st iteration of the exercise proved to be the most expansive Balikatan to date. Five ally and partner nations joined the Philippines and United States – Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand – bolstering the shared knowledge, capabilities, and momentum of the exercise from start to finish.
“Balikatan 2026 marked a strategic evolution from a bilateral exercise to a full-scale, multinational mission rehearsal for the defense of the Philippines,” said U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “That growth reflects the security environment. It reflects the sovereign choices of free nations.”
The 19-day exercise highlighted the combat credibility, crisis readiness, and spirit of cooperation forged over decades of U.S.-Philippines bilateral training and reinforced by a growing coalition of like-minded partners and allies.
Combat credibility starts with detailed planning and strategic logistics. Long before the opening ceremony, service members dedicated months to the tactical plans, life support considerations, and safety precautions, paving the way for operations to begin. In March, AFP and U.S. forces, alongside civilian entities, conducted a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload to prepare equipment and sustainment for the exercise, strategically moving items from Mindanao through Subic Bay and onto training areas.
With combat power in position, the combined and joint force conducted complex all-domain live-fire events, enhancing air and missile defense, counter-landing, and maritime security and strike capabilities. These events integrated advanced capabilities into realistic scenarios across the archipelago, demonstrating how combat power becomes credible when applied by a capable, multinational force.
Combat credibility was also on display at sea – the Philippines, United States, Australia, Japan, and Canada conducted a Multilateral Maritime Event off the western coast of Luzon, featuring training inlive-fire gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, and replenishment at sea as well as deck landing qualifications.
“Balikatan was never simply about conducting activities,” said Philippine Army Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “It was about strengthening the ability to respond together in real, complex conditions. And that matters because in today’s security environment, readiness cannot be improvised.”
Crisis readiness was built as partner forces conducted advanced aeromedical, combat search-and-rescue, and mass casualty training. And readiness was called upon the first day of the exercise when AFP and U.S. forcesresponded to a vehicular accident, extracting multiple injured civilians from a ravine while aviation units coordinated rapid helicopter medical evacuations. Their coordinated response highlights that this year’s events are a product of decades of military cooperation.
Throughout the exercise, the spirit of cooperation extended directly into local communities. At five sites across the archipelago – from Mindanao to Palawan to Northern Luzon – service members worked alongside local leaders, barangay rural healthworkersand community partners to support medical and dental exams, health education, classroom technology, infrastructureprojectsand community engagements tailored to local priorities; lasting impacts of health engagements and engineering projects will provide value to the lives of more than 60,000 Filipinos.
The exercise’s success in enhancing combat credibility, crisis readiness, and the spirit of cooperation represents a shared commitment to regional peace and stability that is the foundation of the 1951 U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, stronger than ever 75 years after signing.
“These anniversaries remind us that our alliance is not merely a matter of treaty obligations. It is a living partnership, designed and strengthened across generations, and grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and common purpose,” said Y. Robert Ewing, chargé d’affaires, a.i., at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. “Exercise Balikatan serves as a powerful testament to our alliance in action. It demonstrates our collective commitment to prepare together, alongside other like-minded nations, to deter common threats and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.”