Camille Naredo

Philippines, US flex naval might near Chinese ships

Article (news)

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

ABOARD BRP MIGUEL MALVAR — The Philippines on Wednesday deployed its newest warship, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), to participate in another round of military drills with the United States in the West Philippine Sea, amid China’s continued presence and intimidation in the tense waters.This marked the eighth iteration of the bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippine and US navies — a joint operation aimed at enhancing interoperability and demonstrating collective maritime defense capabilities.The latest activity was held off the coast of Zambales province, where at least two People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and one China Coast Guard (CCG) ship were monitored nearby.Among the key highlights was the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) participation in a visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercise — the first time the country’s civilian maritime force took part in a joint military drill of this nature. <div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/16/ph-approves-us-plan-to-build-boat-maintenance-facility-in-palawan-1609">READ: PH approves US plan to build boat maintenance facility in Palawan</a></div>The exercise simulated a scenario where PCG personnel intercepted and inspected a vessel suspected of engaging in illegal activities.&quot;&#x27;Yung activity natin with the Philippine Coast Guard is very important because every time na mag-operate ang coast guard natin, we always support &#x27;yong law enfocement activity nila. So, we are here to show that the coordination and interoperability of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, to include &#x27;yong partner nations natin, is enhanced and improved,&quot; said Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Magura, operations officers of BRP Miguel Malvar. The BRP Miguel Malvar — a 118.4-meter-long guided-missile frigate — also conducted formation exercises with the US Navy’s USS Curtis Wilbur and two Philippine Coast Guard vessels, highlighting a show of unity and strength among the allied forces at sea. The formations are used during combat missions. &quot;This time we were able to enhance our maritime domain awareness… It enhances our ability to monitor our area of responsibility so that we can practice to respond immediately when there is a need to respond,&quot; said Magura.The Philippines and the United States have deepened their defense cooperation since President Ferdinand Marcos took office in 2022 and began pushing back on Beijing&#x27;s sweeping South China Sea claims.Beijing claims almost the entirety of the crucial waterway despite an international ruling its assertion has no merit. -- with Agence France-Presse

The Philippines on Wednesday deployed its newest warship, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), to participate in another round of military drills with the United States in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines on Wednesday deployed its newest warship, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), to participate in another round of military drills with the United States in the West Philippine Sea.

Show of force: Philippines, US flex naval might near Chinese ships

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Show of force: Philippines, US flex naval might near Chinese ships

Michael Delizo,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 16, 2025 06:23 PM PHT

Read More:

BRP Miguel Malvar

West Philippine Sea

Philippine Navy

US Navy

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