Ex-BRP Miguel Malvar sinks during towing

On Monday morning, May 5, 2025, the former BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) sank while being towed off the coast of San Antonio, Zambales, leading to the cancellation of a planned live-fire drill in the Balikatan exercise.

Despite no gunfire or missile launch, the ship took on water and submerged around 7:20 a.m., approximately 30 nautical miles west of San Antonio town due to drift and rough sea conditions.

Lieutenant Colonel John Paul Salgado confirmed that no personnel were injured during the incident, while Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos noted that the ship was officially notified as sunk at around 10:00 a.m.

The BRP Miguel Malvar had been selected for environmental cleaning and preparation as it had exceeded its service life, intended to be used as a target in Balikatan missile exercises involving both Filipino and US military assets.

Despite the sinking of the ex-BRP Miguel Malvar, the maritime strike exercise continued unaffected, focusing on virtual and constructive fire missions to enhance joint warfighting capabilities between AFP and US forces.