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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP patrols seas in Luzon, holds exercise with US in Mindanao

AFP patrols seas in Luzon, holds exercise with US in Mindanao

Published Apr 12, 2025 01:59 am
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BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS15), BRP Heracleo Alano (PC380), and BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC376) hold a maritime and sovereignty patrol off Luzon Strait from April 9 to 10, 2025. (Photo: Northern Luzon Command)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Saturday, April 12, that it had conducted a sovereignty patrol in the Luzon Strait, while simultaneously holding joint military exercises with United States forces in Mindanao, providing coordinated efforts that sought to enhance 360-degree maritime domain awareness and strengthen national defense capabilities across the country.

In Luzon, the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) staged a maritime patrol in the coastal waters of La Union up to Batanes from April 9 to 10, said Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS15), BRP Heracleo Alano (PC380), and BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC376) also conducted maritime drills while patrolling Luzon Strait.

They also completed a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to troops stationed in the different islands of Batanes including at the naval detachment in Mavulis Island, which shelters the soldiers that guard the country’s northernmost territory.

This came amid reports of Chinese research vessels frequenting the northern part of the country after military chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. ordered the Nolcom to "prepare" for the possible invasion of Taiwan by People's Republic of China.

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Personnel from the 1st Marine Brigade (1MBde), Western Mindanao Command hold a marine exercise with the United States Marine Corps in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on April 9, 2025. (Photo: Westmincom)

In Mindanao, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) conducted a marine exercise (MAREX) with the United States Marine Corps in Barangay Penansaran, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on April 9.

The exercise was spearheaded by the 1st Marine Brigade (1MBde) and executed under the operational oversight of Joint Task Force (JTF) Central.

The exercise featured integrated joint operations, highlighted by the Joint Artillery Littoral Live Fire Exercises (JALLFX)—a precision coastal firepower drill that demonstrated the synergy between allied forces in defending the maritime domain.

Prior to the live fire event, participating units carried out a full mission profile amphibious assault involving Philippine Navy vessels and joint troops from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Marine Corps, and U.S. Marine Corps.

The simulated operation demonstrated seamless coordination and effective force projection from sea to shore, underlining the high level of interoperability achieved between partner forces, said Westmincom commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.

“The exercise showcased the strength of Philippine-U.S. military cooperation and joint readiness in a complex littoral operational environment,” he noted.

Related Tags

Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command northern luzon command PH-US
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