The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) conducted the Unilateral Exercise 2026 on September 29, 2026, in the waters of Davao Gulf to enhance the operational readiness and interoperability of its operational and tactical control (OPCON/TACON) units in conducting maritime operations within its area of responsibility.
The exercise opened with a ceremony at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, led by CAPT LEO C. DIMOC PN(GSC), Acting Commander, Joint Task Force Sinaya and concurrent acting Commander NFEM, who served as the Officer Conducting the Exercise and Exercise Director.
Following the opening ceremony, participating naval assets departed from Captain Feranil Pier to commence the sea phase, which focused on applying naval doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures in a simulated operational environment.
Participating forces included sailors and marine reservists from Naval Reserve Center-Eastern Mindanao; BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21); BA488 and BA489 of the 3rd Boat Attack Division; BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37); BRP Tausug (LC803); NV392 of Air Warfare Operations Squadron-Eastern Mindanao; and Naval Special Warfare Unit 7.
The sea phase featured a series of exercise serials designed to assess the units’ ability to operate and coordinate as an integrated force. These included Communications Check, Sortie Out, Minefield Transit, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), Officer of the Watch Maneuvering Exercise (OOW MANNEX), Amphibious Landing, and Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX) with the support of NV392.
The exercise scenarios further tested the participating units’ ability to detect, identify, interdict, and neutralize hostile maritime forces through integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), maneuver, and maritime interdiction operations under wartime rules of engagement. The units also responded to simulated external threats, illegal intrusion, and attempts to compromise key coastal infrastructure within the Sentinel Islands scenario under Joint Task Force Sinaya.
The exercise culminated in an amphibious landing conducted by BRP Tausug (LC803) in coordination with Marine Reservists, highlighting the integrated employment of naval and reserve forces in amphibious operations.
Unilateral Exercise 2026 forms part of NFEM’s continuing efforts to sustain a credible, responsive, and capable maritime force by enhancing the readiness and interoperability of its OPCON/TACON units. The exercise likewise supports the Philippine Navy’s mandate to secure the maritime domain and protect the nation’s interests within its area of responsibility.