Philippine Navy warships, including the frigate BRP Antonio Luna, held live fire exercises in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea last week, the Navy’s Philippine Fleet (PF) said yesterday.
PF spokesman Lt. Giovanni Badidles said the live fire exercise and other types of exercises held in the area were aimed at “enhancing operational readiness, promoting interoperability, and encouraging tactical innovation.”
These exercises were conducted as part of the sea phase of the PF’s unilateral exercise held on August 27 to 30.
Badidles said the live fire exercise was held in the waters off Zambales, Bataan and Mindoro Strait. He said the exercise area was far from contested features in the West Philippine Sea.
On the first day of the exercise, frigates BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) and patrol ships BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) executed tactical maneuvers, formations and communications exchanges after they rendezvoused in a “designated area,” Badidles said.
“This was followed by anti-air warfare exercise with simulated missile firing featuring the assets of the Naval Air Wing,” he said.
“Highlight of the first day was the live gun firing exercise showcasing the 76mm gun of FF151, and the 38mm Bushmaster guns of PS16 and PS17,” he added.
He could not immediately say how many rounds were fired during the exercise.
“The PS16 also took the opportunity to test fire its Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Chaff intended to defend the ship against missile attack,” Badidles also said.
These ships also conducted “night steaming in company” while patrolling in formation.
“They also performed emission control exercise to detect and identify electromagnetic transmissions to build a recognized maritime picture, highlighting all the platforms’ capability in electronic warfare,” added Badidles.
The following day, the Surface Action Group conducted an anti-submarine warfare exercise with NV-395 service as a maritime patrol aircraft.
The Navy’s AW-159 anti-submarine helicopter used its onboard dipping sonar to assist in locating and neutralizing the mock submarine target.
“This kind of naval exercise between ships is a cornerstone of modern maritime strategy, reflecting the complexity and dynamism of naval operations,” Badidles said.
The exercises are also “essential for ensuring that the fleet, and the navy remain capable, adaptive, and prepared for a wide range of operations,” he said,
The drills were conducted amid continuing tension between the Philippines and China which has become aggressive in its claims of almost the entire South China Sea.
China has harassed Philippine vessels and aircraft in the West Philippine Sea. The last was on Saturday when Chinese Coast Guard vessels rammed a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, three times near Escoda Shoal.
PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela yesterday reiterated that BRP Teresa Magbanua will remain at the shoal despite of the damage it incurred.
“Our commandant, Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, has expressed his commitment to the President that no matter happens, BRP will not leave the area… Our Coast Guard will not leave the area,” he said adding said the morale of the Magbanua crew members remains high.
“They know the danger and the responsibility on their shoulders… That is part of our sworn duty,” he said.
