Philippine Marines and Coast Guard Train at Balabac Island “Philippine forces are stepping up in the South China Sea! Last week, Marines and Coast Guard special units trained to defend Balabac Island, a future military hub near contested waters. Exercises included high-altitude insertions and maritime boarding drills, showing Manila’s readiness to protect sovereignty. With U.S. support and plans for a new air and naval base, Balabac is becoming a key strategic outpost in the region! #BalabacIsla

The Philippines, United States, Australia, and New Zealand have conducted naval and air drills in the disputed South China Sea in recent days. Videos released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday show the exercises took place from Thursday to Friday, involving forces from all four nations. This marks the 12th such joint military drill the Philippines has staged with allied countries since last year, aimed at protecting its sovereign rights in the contested waters. Philippine milita

The Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), the US Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG-62), and New Zealand’s auxiliary ship HMNZS Aotearoa (A11) conducted replenishment-at-sea simulation exercises during the 12th iteration of Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea. This involved refueling and transferring supplies while in motion—one of the most complex and critical naval operations. #SelfiePatrol | via Jessie Cruzat, ABS-CBN News | ABS-CB