1st unilateral WPS drill bolsters PH Fleet's operational performance

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday announced that three major naval vessels from the Philippine Fleet (PF) took part in the first ever simultaneous unilateral and gunnery exercises held in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Monday.
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, PN spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said the 1st PF Unilateral Exercises 2025  showcased an exceptional display of coordination, precision, and strategic agility.
He said the Navy's missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601), performed a series of maneuvering and radio communication drills.
"(The) FF-150 and PS-16 carried out live fire drills southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, in the waters of the WPS that went ahead without a hitch despite turbulent seas, showcasing the Fleet’s unwavering commitment to maintaining top-tier readiness in any environment," Alcos said.
"These exercises not only sharpened the skills and effectiveness of participating naval assets on warfighting and humanitarian assistance and disaster response but also bolstered the fleet's overall operational performance," he added.
Alcos also told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that BRP Jose Rizal fired its Oto Melara Super Rapid 76mm main gun while the BRP Ramon Alcaraz used its .50 caliber secondary weapons in the live-fire exercise which simulated a "surface target, specifically surface vessels."
"And I am very glad to report that both the PS-16 and FF-150, despite the very harsh conditions yesterday (Monday), were able to hit the target," he added.
Alcos declined to give the exact distance of the two ships from Bajo de Masinloc when they held their firing exercise for security reasons.
"I cannot divulge that particular detail that falls under operational security," he said, adding that no Chinese ships or assets were spotted during the exercise. (PNA)

(2025/03/11-05:43)