The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted maritime patrols in the Luzon Strait and launched a joint military exercise with the United States in Mindanao.
According to Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, a maritime patrol was carried out by NOLCOM across the coastal waters from La Union to Batanes between April 9 and 10.
Three Philippine Navy vessels—BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PS15), BRP Heracleo Alano (PC380), and BRP Nestor Reinoso—performed maritime drills while patrolling the Luzon Strait.
The vessels also completed a resupply mission for troops stationed on various islands in Batanes, including the naval detachment on Mavulis Island, which serves as a shelter for soldiers guarding the country’s northernmost territory.
The continued patrols come amid reports of Chinese research vessels operating in the northern Philippine waters.
This surveillance follows an order from AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. directing NOLCOM to prepare for a possible Taiwan invasion scenario, which could impact the approximately 250,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based there.
In Mindanao, the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) conducted Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2025 alongside the US Marine Corps on April 9 in Barangay Penansaran, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The exercise included a simulated operation, live fire drills, and a Full Mission Profile Amphibious Assault.
WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said the joint activity showcased strong military cooperation between the Philippines and the US and demonstrated readiness for complex littoral operations.