Manila: Filipino and American troops have further strengthened their combined operational readiness through "Salaknib" Phase 2's operational maneuver (OPMAN), conducted across various training sites in Luzon from June 1 to 16, the spokesperson of the Philippine Army (PA) said.
According to Philippines News Agency, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala stated that the two-week OPMAN saw Filipino and US soldiers integrating advanced technology, strategic mobility, and combined-arms capabilities into a single synchronized operation across Luzon. The drills tested the ability of US and Philippine forces to rapidly integrate capabilities, conduct long-range movements, and execute combined operations across multiple environments.
Dema-ala highlighted that the OPMAN also incorporated maritime security operations, ground maneuver, strategic airlift, precision fires, and air assault operations, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two allied nations. "Salaknib" Phase 2 formally began mid-May and is scheduled to end this July, following "Salaknib" Phase 1, which took place from April 6 to 17. "Salaknib," meaning "Shield" in Ilocano, emphasizes the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, enhancing interoperability and readiness through combined arms operations, multi-domain integration, and humanitarian assistance efforts for regional stability.
In related developments, Maj. Gen. Ishihara Yoshitaka, commanding general of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's 1st Airborne, visited the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on June 17. He was welcomed by PA vice commander Maj. Gen. Efren Morados, who expressed interest in more future engagements between the two nations. The visit included a museum tour hosted by the Philippine Army.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy's (PN) guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar conducted naval tactical maneuver exercises on June 17 as part of preparations for the upcoming "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026. The exercises included other RIMPAC-bound ships such as the Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Steadfast, Italian Navy multi-purpose surface combatant ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere, Japan Self-Defense Maritime Force destroyer JS Kongo, and the Republic of Korea Navy's amphibious landing ship ROKS Cheon Ja Bong.
The Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Gabriela Silang maintained a position astern of the naval vessels throughout the exercise. The maneuvers aim to enhance coordination and interoperability among participating nations, as well as improve the proficiency of the ship's crew in ship handling and seamanship, according to the PN. For security reasons, the PN did not disclose the specific area where the naval drills took place. Earlier, the Navy announced that the BRP Miguel Malvar had reached Guam for a technical stop earlier this month.
The PN reiterated its commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation and readiness with like-minded allies. This year's RIMPAC is scheduled from June 24 to July 31 and will take place in Hawaiian waters.
