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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Balikatan: AFP rehearses amphibious landing in Palawan

Balikatan: AFP rehearses amphibious landing in Palawan

Published May 3, 2025 01:47 pm

At A Glance

  • The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted an amphibious landing rehearsal near Brooke's Point, Palawan on May 2.
  • The operation aimed at securing strategically important coastal and littoral areas to enhance operational readiness in the region's unique geography.
  • Additionally, the Philippine Marines shared their expertise in the Filipino martial art Pekiti-Tirsia Kali with the US Marines during a training session in Basco, Batanes.
  • The two forces also participated in a joint 81mm mortar gun drill aimed at enhancing their tactical proficiency and combat coordination through the exchange of fire direction procedures and improving their ability to employ indirect fire support.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) carried out an amphibious landing rehearsal in the vicinity waters of Brooke’s Point, Palawan on Friday, May 2, facing the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The operation formed part of the maritime key terrain security operations (MKTSO), a critical component of the Balikatan Exercises focused on securing strategically important coastal and littoral areas, said Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado, chief of Balikatan’s combined joint information bureau.

“By practicing in the unique geography of Palawan, forces gain operational familiarity with vital terrain in the region, reinforcing collective defense capabilities,” he said.

The activity was also executed in preparation for the upcoming amphibious assault on May 4 at Malaking Ilog in Balabac town. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Marines imparted their knowledge on Filipino martial art Pekiti-Tirsia Kali with their counterparts from the US Marines during a training in Basco, Batanes.

The activity featured members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-10, 4th Marine Brigade giving lectures and hands-on drills on Pekiti-Tirsia Kali to US Marine Corps personnel as they enhanced discipline, resilience, and operational readiness together.

Pekiti-Tirsia Kali is known for fighting techniques that emphasize close-quarters combat particularly with edged weapons, and incorporate empty-hand fighting styles.

Both forces also conducted a joint 81mm mortar gun drill in Basco.

The gun exercise focused on improving the tactical proficiency of both forces in employing indirect fire support.

It also served as a platform to exchange fire direction procedures and sharpen combat coordination.

Related Tags

AFP Balikatan amphibious landing
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