Phl, France, US warships set sail for WPS

Two Philippine Navy ships left port yesterday to take part in the Balikatan exercises’ first-ever multilateral naval drills in Philippine waters, along with a US Navy landing ship dock and a French Navy frigate.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

The BRP Ramon Al-caraz and BRP Davao del Sur were first to leave Palawan’s shores followed by FS Vendemiare and USS Harpers Ferry, to begin their Multilateral Maritime Exercises (MME) under the 39th iteration of the Balikatan. 

The seven-day naval exercise stretches up to the edges of the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Details were unclear but earlier announcements from Balikatan executive agent Col. Michael Logico said the Philippine and US Coast Guards would also be participating in the MME scheduled from April 23 to 29.

But Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the PCG would be on standby only to provide security.

The PCG, he said, would have three vessels deployed in Palawan, two in Northern Luzon, and one on stand-by.