The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that more modern Philippine Navy (PN) warships will be deployed to patrol off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, as part of ongoing efforts to assert sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This statement was made by AFP spokesperson for the WPS, Navy reservist Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday.
Recent Patrol Successfully Conducted
Trinidad highlighted the recent unilateral patrol conducted by the guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7) near Bajo de Masinloc. The warship, armed with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling, was met by four Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships. Despite this, the patrol was successfully completed. "You can expect more unilateral patrols and bilateral and multilateral activities close to Bajo de Masinloc in the coming months," Trinidad said.
Sufficient Naval Assets for Missions
Trinidad assured the public that the AFP has enough ships for these missions, despite the Navy's high operational tempo in other overseas and local deployments. He explained that the PN headquarters manages the operational tempo, allocating ships to operational commands such as Western Command, Northern Luzon Command, and the recently activated AFP Strategic Defense Command. "The PN is more capable, they have greater reach, more effective sensors, and we are capable of conducting these patrols and multilateral activities," he added.
No Hostile Actions Detected
Regarding the encounter between BRP Diego Silang and the four PLAN warships, Trinidad stated there were no indications that the Chinese vessels activated their fire control systems to target the Filipino warship. "There was no monitored activity that would point to activation of sensors or fire control systems. Nevertheless, BRP Diego Silang challenged their presence, reminding them that based on the Arbitral Tribunal Ruling and domestic law, they have no right to be in Philippine waters," he said.
BRP Miguel Malvar Joins RIMPAC 2026
In related news, the PN announced that the guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-6) and its contingent, Naval Task Group 84, arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on June 21 to participate in the "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026. The exercise runs from June 24 to July 31. Upon arrival, the contingent, led by Captain Ryan Bakabak, was welcomed by officials of the Philippine Consulate General in Hawaii, led by Consul General Arman Talbo.
The US Pacific Fleet stated that this year's RIMPAC will involve 31 nations, with a multinational force of approximately 40 surface ships, 5 submarines, 140 aircraft, and over 25,000 personnel. The exercise will cover a wide range of capabilities, including amphibious operations, gunnery and missile proficiency, anti-submarine warfare, air defense exercises, military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counter-piracy, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.
