Photo from Philippine News Agency (PNA)
The Philippine Navy said one of its offshore patrol vessels conducted a maritime patrol off Los Frailes Island in Zambales, where it also test-fired its main gun on Dec. 18.
The patrol was carried out by BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), an offshore patrol vessel assigned to the Navy’s Northern Luzon Naval Command.
PS-35 is based at Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar in Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union, the Navy said.
“During the patrol, PS-35 maintained heightened maritime domain awareness while monitoring vessel movements and engaging in presence operations in key sea lanes, particularly in areas vulnerable to transnational maritime threats,” the Navy said in a statement Sunday night.
The Navy said the ship successfully test-fired its 76mm Oto Melara main gun during the patrol.
It said the live-fire exercise was conducted to ensure operability, accuracy, and effective operation of the weapon.
The activity was also intended to “amplify the operator’s skill proficiency,” the Navy said.
The Navy added that the Northern Luzon Naval Command and its assets will continue to monitor the area.
These operations aim to help ensure the safety of Filipino fisherfolk operating within the West Philippine Sea, it said.
In a related development, the Western Naval Command said it completed the rotation and resupply mission for security personnel from Lawak and Patag Islands in the Kalayaan Island Group following their arrival at headquarters on Dec. 17.