The Philippine Navy on Tuesday said it has completed its simultaneous gunnery exercises in the Southeast off Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“Demonstrating exceptional strength and resilience, the Philippine Fleet successfully carried out its simultaneous unilateral and gunnery exercises (GUNNEX) on March 10, overcoming rough seas and enhancing the operational readiness of its naval forces,” Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos said in a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo.

Alcos said the Naval fleet's guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), along with the pioneering landing dock BRP Tarlac LD-601 (LD-601), participated in unilateral exercises performing a series of maneuvers and radio communication drills on March 10. 

This was followed by the live-fire drills carried out by the PS-16 and FF150.

“These exercises went ahead without hitch despite turbulent seas, solidifying the fleet's unwavering commitment to maintaining top-tier readiness in any environment,” Alcos told reporters. 

He added the Philippine fleet's unilateral exercises showcased an “exceptional display” of coordination, precision, and strategic agility. 

“These exercises not only sharpened the skills and effectiveness of participating naval vessels on war-fighting and HADR (Humanitarian and Disaster Response), but also bolstered the fleet's overall operational readiness,” Alcos pressed on.