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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BRP Gabriela Silang returns to PH after historic RIMPAC mission in Hawaii

BRP Gabriela Silang returns to PH after historic RIMPAC mission in Hawaii

Published Aug 18, 2026 12:51 pm  |  Updated Aug 18, 2026 01:07 pm

At A Glance

  • BRP Gabriela Silang returned to Manila after completing the PCG's first-ever participation in the RIMPAC Exercise in Hawaii, with Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan leading the welcome ceremony at Pier 13, South Harbor.
  • PCG personnel took part in multinational maritime operations, including maritime interdiction, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, explosive ordnance disposal training, cross-deck operations and combined maneuvers.
  • The contingent was recognized for its performance, with Task Force 93 and selected personnel receiving various Coast Guard awards for their service during the historic deployment.
BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) docks at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila on Aug. 18, 2026, after its historic participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the world's largest naval exercise, in Honolulu, Hawaii last month. (PCG livestream)
BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) docks at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila on Aug. 18, 2026, after its historic participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026, the world's largest naval exercise, in Honolulu, Hawaii last month. (PCG livestream)
The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) flagship and largest offshore patrol vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), arrived in Manila on Tuesday, Aug. 18, after completing its first-ever participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise in Hawaii.
BRP Gabriela Silang and its contingent, composed of Task Force 93, arrived at Pier 13, South Harbor where PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan led the welcome ceremony and praised the officers and personnel for representing the country in the world’s largest naval exercise.
“Their professionalism and dedication strengthened our operational capabilities and interoperability with maritime partners,” Gavan said.
During this year’s RIMPAC held from June 24 to July 31, the PCG team joined maritime interdiction operations, search and rescue drills, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, explosive ordnance disposal training, cross-deck operations, and combined maneuvers with allied forces.
PCG personnel also served at the Combined Task Force/Combined Forces Maritime Component Command Joint Operations Center and the Combined Joint Information Bureau, working directly with counterparts from participating nations.
Gavan commended the contingent for its professionalism and dedication, saying the deployment strengthened the PCG’s operational capabilities and its ability to work with maritime forces from other countries.
The return of the contingent also marked a milestone for the PCG’s offshore patrol vessel, which made its maiden voyage to Hawaii during the mission.
Gavan said the deployment allowed the vessel and its crew to gain experience in multinational maritime operations and exposed PCG personnel to joint activities with participating maritime forces in the world’s largest maritime warfare training hosted by the United States Navy.
The PCG recognized several personnel for their performance during the mission, including Task Force 93 Commander Rear Admiral Weniel Azcuna, Commodore Algier Ricafrente, Commodore Dann August Cariño, and Captain Jomark Angue, who received the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal and Ribbon.
Ms. Irene Carandang, who served as overall coordinator and Information Operations Planner, received the Superior Honor Medal.
Selected members of Task Force 93 RIMPAC 2026 were recognized with the Coast Guard Superior Achievement Medal and Ribbon while planners earned the Coast Guard Outstanding Achievement Medal and Ribbon. The contingent as a whole was presented with the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.

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PCG BRP Gabriela Silang RIMPAC Hawaii
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