The first "multilateral maritime exercise" between the Philippines, United States, and France for this year's "Balikatan" exercises successfully ended on Monday, with all four participating vessels able to complete the activity without any untoward incident.
FREE FALL Filipino and US service members take to the skies, executing a military aerial exercise during Balikatan 2024. AFP PHOTO
"The first iteration of the MME between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the United States Indo-Pacific Command (US-INDOPACOM), and the French Navy concluded on April 29, 2024 in Palawan, marking a historic milestone in regional cooperation and security," Balikatan Combined Information Bureau chief Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado said in a statement released late Monday.
During the exercises, Chinese research vessels were detected within the vicinity of the Ayungin Shoal, a ranking Philippine Navy official said.
In a press briefing, PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said these vessels were detected on Monday, adding this is the first time such vessels were monitored in the area.
"I could remember we have not recorded or reported any research vessel so far from China in Ayungin Shoal," Trinidad said.
Asked on the Chinese research vessels' possible purpose, the PN official said it is likely China's way of showing that it is not bothered by the ongoing "Balikatan" exercise between the Philippines and the United States.
"It coincided with 'Balikatan', it is their way of showing that they are not deterred, they are not scared by what's happening in the WPS, sinabay nila sa pagawa natin ng 'Balikatan' (they timed it with our conduct of 'Balikatan')," Trinidad said.
He added these Chinese research vessels "were not doing anything" at the time they were monitored.
No more live-fire for air missile exercise
As this developed, "Balikatan" executive agent Col. Michael Logico said the supposed live-fire event for the integrated air missile defense drill was scrapped.
"Instead of doing the live-fire, we will shifting to live-virtual constructed activity," he said.
Logico attributed the change of plans to an "unforeseen logistical problem" that made the "live-fire a little problematic without going to specific details."
The exercise was supposed to feature the Philippines' SPYDER air defense missiles and its American equivalent, which would be one of the highlights of three-week "Balikatan" exercises set from April 22 to May 10.
Amphibious landing drill
Meanwhile, the PN's landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) on Tuesday demonstrated its capabilities through the successful well-deck operations and amphibious landing exercises held in the vicinity of Campong Ulay Point, Rizal, Palawan.
These activities are part of the ongoing "Balikatan" exercise.
"Following a successful launch, LCU (landing craft unit) 1 and LCU 2 reached the designated beach landing site on 30 April 2024 around 0843H. Participating as the landing force and command group were the 9th Marine Battalion, the 3rd Naval Construction Battalion, and Marine Reservists assigned to Naval Reserve Center-West," "Balikatan" Combined Information Bureau chief Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado said.
He added that this exercise showcased the Navy's ability to effectively deploy troops and equipment from ship to shore, a critical skill for various maritime operations. PNA
Five-day MME conclusion
Meanwhile, the five-day MME culminated in a series of impressive demonstrations, including a photo exercise showcasing the participants' professionalism and coordination in a simulated formation sailing scenario, and documenting operations through proper photographic techniques for military purposes.
"The participants also performed surface gun exercise(s) which tested the participating navies' live-fire capabilities and communication skills under challenging environment(s)," Salgado added.
The MME provided the participating countries with the knowledge and expertise that can be used to further beef up their capabilities.
The drills which started on April 25 saw the active participation of the Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the US Navy's landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), and the French Navy's FS Vendemiaire (FFH-734), a Floreal-class frigate.
Around 17,000 Filipino and American soldiers are taking part in the three-week "Balikatan" drills which run from April 22 to May 10. PNA