Naval vessels from participating countries sail in formation during the Photograph Exercise (PHOTOEX) at Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026. (Philippine Navy)
On July 22, the Philippine Navy (PN) participated in the Photograph Exercise (PHOTOEX) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026, joining naval forces from 13 countries in a joint fleet formation aimed at demonstrating interoperability and maritime cooperation.
The exercise saw the PN represented by the guided-missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6), while the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV8301) also joined the multinational formation.
Led by Commander Destroyer Squadron 23 aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), PHOTOEX brought together 28 warships and five submarines in a coordinated formation, making it one of the signature events of RIMPAC 2026.
The Philippine vessels sailed alongside naval assets from the US, South Korea, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Spain, Chile, Peru, Mexico and Italy, participating in an aerial formation that showcased joint maritime operations at sea. This broad representation reflected a shared commitment to maintaining a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific, consistent with international law.
Participating forces demonstrated tactical proficiency in ship handling, station keeping, communications and coordinated maritime operations throughout the exercise. The PN said its engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen interoperability and operational readiness alongside regional and international partners through multinational training activities.
Notably, the exercise comes as the Department of National Defense (DND) reaffirmed its commitment to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) on its 50th anniversary, describing the treaty as the foundation of peaceful interstate relations in Southeast Asia. The DND said it would continue advancing the treaty’s principles through ASEAN-led mechanisms, particularly the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, which serve as key platforms for regional defence dialogue and practical security cooperation.
PHOTOEX is a symbolic demonstration of multilateral naval cooperation, but it also reflects the operational coordination developed through exercises such as RIMPAC.Crucially, the joint training activities also come amid continued attention to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, particularly tensions in the South China Sea (SCS).
Beyond the exercise itself, the developments suggest that the Philippines continues to pursue regional security through both ASEAN-led diplomatic engagement and practical defence cooperation. While the TAC emphasises dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes, participation in RIMPAC, alongside continued engagement through the ADMM and the ADMM-Plus, demonstrates how the Philippines is pairing diplomatic mechanisms with operational cooperation to strengthen regional security partnerships.
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