The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Armed Forces declared a successful conclusion to this year’s maritime strike and ship sinking exercise held in Ilocos Norte on Wednesday. The Philippine Navy’s decommissioned vessel, BRP Lake Caliraya, served as the mock enemy target during the maritime drills conducted at approximately 8.5 nautical miles or 15 kilometers off the west coast of Ilocos Norte. Lt. Col. Omar Al Assaf, the maritime strike lead planner for the AFP, noted that the maritime strike drills in Laoag City were one of the main events of this year’s Balikatan Exercise between the Philippines and the United States.

Kabagani, L. J. (2024, May 9). Joint drill sinks dummy vessel. Daily Tribune, p. A2.