The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday said guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6), which is carrying Naval Task Group (NTG)-84, took part in a Group Sail and a series of maritime exercises with ships of other “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) participants from June 6 to 8.
In a statement, NTG-84 said the drills took place as the ships were en route to Hawaii.
“Representing the Philippines were the PN’s BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6) and the (Philippine Coast Guard) PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301). Both ships were accompanied by RSS Steadfast (RSS-70) of the Republic of Singapore Navy and ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere of the Italian Navy,” it added.
These four ships carried out various maritime exercises to enhance operational readiness, strengthen interoperability, and promote cooperation among partners.
Among the highlights were the replenishment at sea approach of BRP Miguel Malvar and ITS Giovanni, which acted as the supply ship, and the collaboration between the PN and the PCG, which reflected the shared commitment of both maritime services to the principle of “One Country, One Strong Maritime Security Partnership.”
“As participating nations transit toward Hawaii for RIMPAC 2026, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, engagements such as Group Sail contribute to building trust, enhancing interoperability, and reinforcing cooperation among like-minded maritime nations committed to a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment,” it added.
RIMPAC, which will run from June 24 to July 31, will bring 31 nations and will feature a multinational force of approximately 40 surface ships, five 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.
Cooperation with partner navies
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it continues to advance maritime security efforts through sustained patrol and surveillance operations, as well as maritime cooperative activities with partner navies in support of operational readiness, maritime domain awareness and regional stability.
“From May 1 to June 9, 2026, Northern Luzon Command (NolCom), through its naval component Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC), conducted a total of 42 maritime patrol and maritime air surveillance missions within its area of responsibility. These included 35 maritime patrols and seven air surveillance missions that maintained continuous monitoring of key maritime areas and enhanced maritime domain awareness in Northern Luzon. These operations supported efforts to prevent unlawful activities at sea while safeguarding the country’s sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction,” AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Navy reservist, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency.
He also said the PN conducted six maritime cooperative activities within Philippine waters, consisting of three bilateral and three multilateral with partner navies to enhance interoperability, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and improve the capacity of participating forces to address shared maritime security challenges. (PNA)