Ang Pahayagan

By Priam Nepomuceno

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) said Tuesday it will deploy one of its most modern guided-missile frigates, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), and an AW-159 “Wildcat” anti-submarine warfare helicopter to the US Navy’s “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) drills scheduled to start in late June.

“The PN is set to participate in the 30th iteration of the RIMPAC exercise, which will run from June 24 to July 21, 2026, which will take place in and around the Hawaii Islands, United States,” PN spokesperson Capt. Marissa Martinez told the Philippine News Agency.

She added that the biennial RIMPAC aims to enhance the “interoperability and maritime partnership” among the participating nations, aside from improving “collective readiness” in a wide range of operations under the theme “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”

“Representing the PN in the exercise is BRP Miguel Malvar and its personnel,” Martinez said. The Philippine Coast Guard will also participate for the first time, with the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8831), she added.

Send-off ceremonies for the BRP Miguel Malvar and its crew will take place on June 4 at Quay 7, Naval Operating Base Subic-Zambales.

Martinez said the ship will have fueling stops in Guam and Hawaii during its voyage.

The US Pacific Fleet said this year’s RIMPAC will bring 31 nations and 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. (PNA)