Philippine contingent participates in RIMPAC 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine consulate general in Honolulu welcomed the arrival of the Philippine contingent from the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026.

Led by Consul General Arman Talbo, the consulate, together with members of the Filipino community in Hawaii, greeted the officers and crew aboard the PN’s BRP Miguel Malvar and the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang as they arrived and docked in Pearl Harbor, and conveyed support for their participation in the world’s largest international maritime exercise from June 24 to July 31.

The Philippine contingent will join ships and personnel from participating nations during RIMPAC 2026 to further strengthen interoperability in multi-domain combat and contingency training.

Talbo said the deployment of both a PN and PCG vessel to RIMPAC 2026 reflects the Philippines’ growing maritime capabilities and its commitment to advancing maritime security, interoperability and regional cooperation alongside allies and partners to promote a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region.

He added that the participation of the Miguel Malvar and Gabriela Silang is meaningful as the Philippines and the United States commemorate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

The presence of both vessels at RIMPAC, Talbo said, symbolizes the strength of the Philippines-US alliance and the expanding cooperation between the two countries in defense, security and maritime affairs.

Named after two heroes of Philippine history, the Miguel Malvar and Gabriela Silang also serve as reminders of the Philippines’ legacy of courage, patriotism and dedication to national sovereignty, according to officials.