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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 | 12:00am
The Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) is seen here preparing to test fire its 76mm Oto Melara gun off the waters of Los Frailes Island, Zambales, on Dec. 18, 2025.
PNA / Photo courtesy of the Northern Luzon Naval Command
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) conducted a maritime patrol off Zambales last week and test-fired its 76mm Italian-made gun.
The Northern Luzon Naval Command, through the Emilio Jacinto led by Commodore Joseph Dimayuga, during patrol on Dec. 18 test-fired its Oto Melara in the vicinity of Los Frailes Island, Zambales.
“During the patrol, PS35 maintained heightened maritime domain awareness while monitoring vessel movements and engaging in presence operation in key sea lanes, particularly in areas vulnerable to transnational maritime threats,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement.
“The conduct of test fire is to ensure the operability, accuracy and effective operation of the 76MM Oto Melara Gun as well as to amplify the operator’s skill proficiency,” it said.
The Northern Luzon Naval Command, through Emilio Jacinto, continues to monitor the area and ensure the safety of Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In Palawan, the Western Naval Command welcomed returning troops and mission team from the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
The Western Naval Command, based in Naval Station Carlito Cunanan, Puerto Princesa City, conducted an arrival and welcoming ceremony for the outgoing security personnel from Lawak and Patag Islands in KIG following their safe arrival at WNC headquarters last Dec. 17.
“The activity marked the successful completion of the rotation and resupply (RORE) mission and recognized the dedicated service of personnel deployed in forward areas,” it said.
The ceremony showed the importance of sustained troop deployment and RORE missions in maintaining operational readiness, morale and continuous presence in the WPS, while honoring the professionalism and sacrifices of both the returning troops and the mission team who ensured the mission’s success.
Rear Admiral Vincent Sibala, acting commander of the Philippine Navy’s WNC, conveyed the command’s gratitude to the personnel for their unwavering commitment in safeguarding the KIG.
