Philippine warships drill near Bajo de Masinloc amid Chinese presence

Three major Philippine warships conducted a unilateral exercise Friday in the West Philippine Sea to enhance crew efficiency and operational capabilities amid the continuing presence of China's so-called monster ship off the Zambales coast.

The drill near Bajo de Masinloc involved the frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) and patrol vessels BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17).

Officers and crew trained on routine surface operations to improve their expertise in handling modern systems, as part of normal naval activities aimed at achieving competence.

The Philippine Navy emphasized that these exercises demonstrate the importance of training for maintaining readiness and interoperability amid tensions with China over territorial claims.

Philippine officials have filed a diplomatic protest demanding Beijing withdraw its vessel from Philippine waters, while Manila and Beijing agreed to maintain an arrangement for resupply missions at Ayungin Shoal.