THE NAVAL Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) conducted its Unilateral Exercise 2026 in the waters of Davao Gulf on Tuesday, Sept. 29, testing operational readiness and joint capabilities across its tactical and operational units.
The exercise commenced with an opening ceremony at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City, led by CAPT. Leo C. Dimoc PN, acting commander of Joint Task Force Sinaya and concurrent acting commander of NFEM, who served as Exercise Director.
Following the opening rites, naval surface and air assets deployed from Captain Feranil Pier to begin the sea phase, executing doctrines, tactics, and procedures under simulated wartime conditions.
Participating units included naval and Marine reservists from the Naval Reserve Center–Eastern Mindanao; offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Lakandula (PS21); assault craft BA488 and BA489 of the 3rd Boat Attack Division; patrol frigate BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37); landing craft BRP Tausug (LC803); NV392 from the Air Warfare Operations Squadron–Eastern Mindanao; and Naval Special Warfare Unit 7.
During the sea phase, units executed complex operational serials, including communications checks, fleet sortie, minefield transit, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), Officer of the Watch Maneuvering Exercises (OOW MANNEX), and amphibious landing drills supported by air surveillance assets.
Under simulated wartime rules of engagement, participating troops were tested on their ability to detect, interdict, and neutralize hostile maritime forces using integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.
The scenarios also simulated responses to external threats, illegal maritime intrusions, and attempts to compromise critical coastal infrastructure under JTF Sinaya’s “Sentinel Islands” operational scenario.
The sea phase culminated in a joint amphibious landing conducted by the BRP Tausug alongside Marine reservists, highlighting the seamless integration of active-duty and reserve forces during amphibious maneuvers.
NFEM officials noted that the unilateral exercise forms part of the command’s ongoing efforts to maintain a credible, responsive, and combat-ready maritime defense force capable of securing Eastern Mindanao’s territorial waters and maritime domain.
