CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the defense forces of Japan, and the United States recently concluded a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on March 28, 2025, further enhancing interoperability and strengthening defense ties among the three nations.

The Philippine contingent featured BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), AW 109 helicopter, C90 aircraft, and PAF Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.

Japan deployed their multi-mission frigate JS Noshiro (FFM-3) with a maritime helicopter SH-60K.

Meanwhile, the United States contributed their guided missile destroyer DDG Shoup (DDG-86), multi-mission naval helicopter MH60-R, and maritime patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon to the joint activity.

The activity consisted of various exercises including Communications Check Exercise, Rotary Flight Operations, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) / Contact Reporting, Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Personnel Exchange and Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX).

These exercises aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of participating forces.

“The MMCA continuously highlights the vital improvements in our coordination, tactics, and shared maritime awareness. Every iteration strengthens our capacity to respond to maritime security challenges while reinforcing our collective ability to safeguard our national interests,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr said.///

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Philippines has taken a major step in strengthening its maritime defense with the formal launch of the BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, Korea on March 27.

The event was attended by top Philippine defense officials, including AFP Chief of Staff Romeo S Brawner Jr, Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta, and DND Undersecretary Salvador Melchor B Mison Jr, along with HHI CEO Lee Sang Kyun.

The BRP Diego Silang, named after the Filipino revolutionary hero, is the sister ship of BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), which also departed Korea today and is expected to arrive at the Subic Shipyard on April 8.

Both vessels, equipped with advanced weapons and radar systems, are part of the Philippine Navy’s ₱28-billion modernization contract with HHI, signed in 2021. These warships significantly enhance the country’s naval capabilities amid growing security challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

The addition of these two 3,200-ton corvettes reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation with South Korea.

This launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, a poignant reminder of the longstanding friendship and shared history between the Philippines and South Korea where Filipino troops fought to defend South Korea's sovereignty.

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Real Estate Office conducted a formal Change of Chief of Office and Retirement Ceremony today, March 28, at the CEISSAFP Social Hall, here.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP, Lieutenant General Rommel P Roldan PAF attended the activity as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

The event honored the dedicated service of Colonel Froilando G Angat PAF (GSC) as he retired from active duty, and welcomed his successor, Col Jessica O Barcil PAF (GSC) who is concurrently serving as Chief, Air Force Real Estate Office (AFREO).

Colonel Angat assumed the position of Chief, AFPREO in September 2023. He has previously served as the Group Commander of 900th Air Force Weather Group.

LtGen Roldan commended Col Agat’s unwavering commitment to the AFP, noting his role in fostering efficiency and integrity within the Real Estate Office.

He also encouraged the incoming leadership to embrace innovation and adaptability in managing AFP’s real estate assets to better serve the organization and its personnel.///

Photos by: A1C Castro PAF / PAOAFP

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held a Change of Chief of Office and Retirement Ceremony for the Office of the Chief Engineer (OTCE) at Tejeros Hall, AFP Commissioned Officers’ Country on March 26.

The event honored retiring Brigadier General Ulpiano T Olarte PA with Lieutenant General Rommel P Roldan PAF, The Deputy Chief of Staff AFP, presiding.

Prior to this role, BGen Olarte was the inaugural commander of the Philippine Army Combat Engineer Regiment (PACER), established in March 2024. Before leading PACER, BGen Olarter commanded the 55th Engineer "Mobilizer" Brigade. He was commissioned from the Officer Candidate School "Tanikala" Class of 1994.

The ceremony also served as the official handover of responsibilities to Brigadier General Jonjie C Juguilon PA who will now serve as the Acting Chief TCE, AFP.

LtGen Roldan, in his address, lauded BGen Olarte’s exemplary service and expressed confidence in BGen Juguilon’s ability to lead the office forward. He emphasized the importance of continuity and excellence in the AFP’s mission to protect and serve the Filipino people.///

Photos by: SSg Manzano PA / PAOAFP