The 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBDE) led a large-scale amphibious landing exercise on 04 May 2025 in Balabac, Palawan as part of Balikatan 40-25. The training simulated the retaking of a strategic island, focusing on joint forcible entry operations, beachhead establishment, and inland objective securing. It formed part of the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations (MKTSO).
Conducted alongside the United States Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force—with observers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and UK Royal Marines—it showcased the growing interoperability and cohesion among partner nations in maintaining regional security.
