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2w ago

WWII-Era Philippine Ship Sinks Before Planned Target Drill in U.S.-Philippine Exercises

The BRP Miguel Malvar sank in rough seas near Zambales, canceling a key Balikatan exercise while other live-fire drills continue.

In this handout photo, provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office, the decommissioned Philippine Navy BRP Miguel Malvar (PS-19) takes on water before sinking while being positioned as vessel target prompting the cancellation of a live-fire drill as part of a joint US-Philippines military exercises called Balikatan or "shoulder to shoulder" approximately 35 miles west of San Antonio, Zambales, Philippines, on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Overview

  • The BRP Miguel Malvar, an 80-year-old decommissioned Philippine Navy ship, sank on May 5 while being towed for a ship-sinking drill.
  • The vessel, originally built for the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, was meant to serve as a target in the annual U.S.-Philippine Balikatan military exercises.
  • The ship sank roughly 30 nautical miles off Zambales province in the China Sea, an area of ongoing territorial disputes with China.
  • Although the sinking drill was canceled, other planned live-fire exercises in the Balikatan program are proceeding as scheduled.
  • The Balikatan exercises, involving 14,000 U.S. and Philippine troops, emphasize defense cooperation and sovereignty in contested waters.