Philippine and US Militaries Hold Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise in Palawan

The militaries of the Philippines and the United States held a Counter-Landing Live Fire Exercise at the Apurawan Beach Landing Site in Aborlan, Palawan, on April 27, 2026. The Philippine Marines’ Palawan-based 3rd Marine Brigade led the exercise, which simulated an enemy amphibious landing along the coastline.

Rappler reported that the drills were conducted under Balikatan 2026, the yearly war games between the two treaty allies.

High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) occurred at Apurawan Beach, Palawan, on April 27, 2026. S.

The United States used the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during the exercise. The Philippines deployed FA-50 fighter jets for air interdiction. Ground forces executed mid- to close-range engagements using artillery, mortars, light armored vehicles, anti-armor systems, heavy machine guns, and infantry weapons.

A light armored vehicle (LAV) deployed by the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade engaged simulated maritime threats at Apurawan Beach, Aborlan, Palawan, on April 27, 2026. 'The activity demonstrated strong coordination and interoperability among participating forces in a complex littoral environment,' said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

General Romeo S Brawner Jr, AFP chief of staff, addressed troops from the Philippines, United States, Australia, and New Zealand at Apurawan Beach, Aborlan, Palawan, on April 27, 2026.

Troops simulated the evacuation of civilians in Sitio Bubusawin and Sitio Long Point.