The United States fired its first Tomahawk mid-range missile in the Philippines as part of the Balikatan Exercise in Tacloban City. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Colonel Dennis Hernandez confirmed that the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system launched a Tomahawk land attack missile from Tacloban City, Leyte at around 12:12 a.m. on Tuesday, which struck its target area in Laur, Nueva Ecija at about 1:00 a.m. The missile traveled approximately 630 kilometers before reaching its target. According to Hernandez, only one missile was released during the exercise. He explained that the location in Tacloban was suitable for this type of test due to its capability to launch missiles over long distances toward the target.
Part of Broader Training Scenario
The activity is part of a broader training scenario connected to the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC), integrated into the annual Balikatan drills. “This is a land-based scenario… the JPMRC supports that ground activity, ground attack,” Hernandez said. Previously, the missile system had only been displayed during past SALAKNIB exercises and had not been actually fired, while AFP personnel were still studying its use.
Lawmaker Condemns Missile Launch
Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio condemned the firing of the Tomahawk cruise missile. According to Tinio, the use of Tacloban Airport as a launch site for a missile system is alarming and should not be considered an ordinary military exercise. “The use of Tacloban Airport—a civilian facility—as a launch site for a US missile is an extremely alarming escalation,” Tinio said. “This is not a ‘routine exercise’; this is live-fire testing of an offensive weapon system on Philippine soil,” the congressman added.
