The Philippine Navy’s warship BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19), which was designated as a target vessel for this year’s Balikatan 40-2025 Maritime Strike Exercise (MARSTRIKE), sank earlier off the coast of Zambales before the live-fire component of the drill could begin.
Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos confirmed that the vessel took on water due to “rough sea conditions” while being towed to its assigned position approximately 30 nautical miles west of San Antonio, Zambales.
"However, due to rough sea conditions that we are currently experiencing in the exercise box and with its long service life, as is expected, she took on a significant amount of water and eventually sank,” he added.
The ship sank at around 7:20 a.m. today at the intended location for the live-fire portion of the exercise.
“No personnel were injured prior to the towing of the target vessel to the operational area, BRP Miguel Malvar underwent environmental cleaning and preparation for the MARSTRIKE,” the Philippine Navy spokesperson stated.
Due to the premature sinking, elements of the Balikatan 40-2025 MARSTRIKE live fire exercise were cancelled.
Despite the sinking, officials said the MARSTRIKE drill will proceed using virtual and simulated fire missions to continue training objectives.
“The Philippine and U.S. joint task forces will conduct virtual and constructive fire missions, integrating ground, maritime, and air-based sensors and shooters to enhance combined warfighting capabilities and command and control,” the Navy said in a statement.
The Balikatan Exercise, now in its 40th iteration, is the largest annual joint military drill between the Philippines and the United States.
This year’s edition features enhanced integration of joint firepower, combining air, land, and sea assets.
