Marilyn Cahatol

Philippine Army and US Army Pacific troops conduct a cold load training exercise geared at enhancing their skills in entering and exiting an inactive helicopter in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on April 4, 2022. The exercise is one of the seven combined interoperability exercises (COIEs) between the two armies as part of the Balikatan 2022. Sgt. Sanny E Palatao PA/ OG7, TRADOC, PA/File

Article (news)

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:604px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17458349893641745834986814.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Philippine Army and US Army Pacific troops conduct a cold load training exercise geared at enhancing their skills in entering and exiting an inactive helicopter in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on April 4, 2022. The exercise is one of the seven combined interoperability exercises (COIEs) between the two armies as part of the Balikatan 2022. Sgt. Sanny E Palatao PA/ OG7, TRADOC, PA/File "/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippine Army and US Army Pacific troops conduct a cold load training exercise geared at enhancing their skills in entering and exiting an inactive helicopter in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on April 4, 2022. The exercise is one of the seven combined interoperability exercises (COIEs) between the two armies as part of the Balikatan 2022. Sgt. Sanny E Palatao PA/ OG7, TRADOC, PA/File </span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — Two Philippine Navy personnel, acting as injured patients, were airlifted to a military treatment facility in San Fernando City, La Union, aboard a Navy helicopter, on Monday.</p><p>This was part of a casualty evacuation drill under the ongoing multilateral maritime exercises for this year’s PH-US Balikatan Exercises, aimed at enhancing the Navy’s emergency response capabilities.</p><p>“In the Philippine Navy, lalong-lalo na po ‘yong ating mga personnel, this is a great avenue for them to enhance their skills and most especially to build up their confidence in the conduct of different naval operations,” said Commander Johanns Cruzada, the commanding officer of BRP Ramon Alcaraz PS-16.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/4/21/-shared-adversity-new-weapons-as-philippine-us-forces-launch-balikatan-1135">&#x27;Shared adversity&#x27;, new weapons as Philippine, US forces launch &#x27;Balikatan&#x27;</a></div><div><strong>PH NAVY ON SPOTTED CHINESE WARSHIPS</strong></div><p>Meanwhile, four Chinese vessels were once again spotted as warships from the Philippines, United States, and Japan—along with the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Gabriela Silang—conducted a photo exercise and replenishment at sea off the Northern Luzon waters on Sunday, April 27.</p><p>The incident happened a day after three Chinese warships were observed tailing the fleet of Philippine and US warships participating in the Maritime Multilateral Exercise (MME), 60 nautical miles west of Palauig, Zambales.</p><p>The Philippine Navy confirmed that the Chinese vessels included a Jiangkai II-class frigate with bow number 579, a vessel with bow number 500, and a Dongdiao II-class auxiliary surveillance ship with bow number 797.</p><p>Despite the incident, the Philippine Navy stated that “the activities of the Chinese naval vessels have been addressed in accordance with international law and protocols.”</p><p>The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) will continue to monitor the presence and activities of the Chinese vessels and provide updates to higher headquarters and the Balikatan Exercise Directorate.</p><p>The Philippine Navy emphasized that its ships remain focused on training objectives while ensuring the safety of its personnel and allied forces remains top priority.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/4/27/philippines-us-test-air-defenses-as-china-seizes-reef-1632">Philippines, US test air defenses as China seizes reef</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0_Sg28zIuzE?si=X2DbU2Xdup9Gsb1z" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/4/21/-shared-adversity-new-weapons-as-philippine-us-forces-launch-balikatan-1135" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&#x27;Shared adversity&#x27;, new weapons as Philippine, US forces launch &#x27;Balikatan&#x27;</a></div>

<p>Two Philippine Navy personnel, acting as injured patients, were airlifted to a military treatment facility in San Fernando City, La Union, aboard a Navy helicopter, on Monday.</p>

Two Philippine Navy personnel, acting as injured patients, were airlifted to a military treatment facility in San Fernando City, La Union, aboard a Navy helicopter, on Monday.

Balikatan casualty evacuation drill held in waters off north Luzon

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Balikatan casualty evacuation drill held in waters off north Luzon

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 28, 2025 06:19 PM PHT

|

Updated April 28, 2025 08:30 PM PHT

Read More:

Balikatan Exercises 2025

PH

US

Navy

Multilateral Maritime Exercise

Chinese warships

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