PH Fleet starts 5-day maritime drills

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Fleet on Monday (Sept. 13) started a five-day maritime drill to enhance interoperability and readiness among its units.

The Exercise Pagbubuklod was officially launched at the Fleet Training and Doctrines Center at Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Major exercises in the coming days include maritime interdiction operation, amphibious air support, maritime air surveillance, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, amphibious assault/raid, among others, the Fleet said in a statement.

Participating units are the Philippine Marine Corps, Naval Special Operations Command, Naval Combat Engineering Brigade and Naval Reserve Command.

The annual maritime exercises will be held in Sangley Point and Ternate, Cavite and at the approaches of Manila Bay.

The Fleet said the drills will test and re-test tactics and doctrines in addressing traditional and non-traditional threats.

All activities will be carried out in strict adherence with COVID-19 protocols. While all participating personnel received medical clearances beforehand, the Fleet has also prepared contingencies in case a participant manifests COVID-19 symptoms.

TSB