PH, Australia, Canada hold naval drill in Bajo de Masinloc

NAVAL DRILL. The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41) and Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH-332) sail in formation with the Philippines’ BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) during Exercise “ALON” 2025 east of Bajo de Masinloc on Wednesday (Aug. 27, 2025). The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the activity reaffirmed its commitment to advancing defense cooperation with like-minded nations. (Photo: BRP Jose Rizal)

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Naval units from the Philippines, Australia and Canada on Wednesday successfully conducted a multilateral maritime exercise east of Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Philippine Navy’s guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), Australian guided missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG-41), and Canadian guided missile frigate HMCS Ville de Québec (FFH-332) departed from El Nido, Palawan and proceeded “northward” for the drill that was part of this year’s Amphibious Land Operation (ALON) exercises.

The AFP did not provide specific details on when the ships departed from Palawan and their itinerary for security reasons.

It said the activity featured two components, including “air defense exercise that honed the participants’ capability to counter simulated aerial threats through coordinated defensive measures.”

Another component was a “photo exercise” that showcased precision formation sailing and multinational naval professionalism.

“As a key component of Exercise ‘ALON’ 2025, this engagement reaffirms the AFP’s commitment to advancing defense cooperation with like-minded nations,” the AFP said.

More than 3,600 troops from the Philippines, Australia, the United States, and Canada are taking part in Exercise “ALON” 2025 that is being held across the joint operational area of the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command and Western Command from Aug. 15 to 29.