Western Naval Command

23/10/2025

ONLY 1 DAY TO GO | Watch the Rebranding of Western Naval Command's Navy Baskeg sa Kanluran Radio Program on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 5 O'clock PM on air in DWMR 648khz and Live on the following FB Pages:

Western Naval Command
https://www.facebook.com/WestNavCom?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Radyo Pilipinas Palawan
https://www.facebook.com/dwmr648am?mibextid=ZbWKwL

22/10/2025

LOOK | A Glimpse of Life in the Kalayaan Island Group

Tucked away in the vast blue of the West Philippine Sea, the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) is more than just a cluster of islands — it’s a living sanctuary. From sea turtles basking under the sun to seabirds soaring freely above crystal-clear waters, every corner of KIG tells a story of untouched beauty and thriving wildlife.

Through the steadfast presence of sailors, marines and other uniformed agencies, the Western Naval Command continues to safeguard and protect this vital part of our maritime domain — ensuring that the natural treasures and biodiversity of the KIG remain preserved for future generations.

These photos capture just a small part of what makes Kalayaan Island Group truly special — a reminder of why it’s worth protecting and preserving for the generations to come.

21/10/2025

STAY TUNED | Western Naval Command's Navy Baskeg sa Kanluran Radio Program is evolving - bringing you closer to the stories, voices and missions of your Navy in the west.

Catch it on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 5 O'clock PM on air in DWMR 648khz and Live on the following FB Pages:

Western Naval Command
https://www.facebook.com/WestNavCom?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Radyo Pilipinas Palawan
https://www.facebook.com/dwmr648am?mibextid=ZbWKwL

21/10/2025

LOOK | Navy Vessel Recovers Suspected Chinese Rocket Debris Off Bataraza, Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (October 20, 2025) — The Western Naval Command (WESCOM), through the BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), successfully recovered a suspected Chinese rocket debris off the waters of Bataraza, Palawan, following maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea.

After completing its patrol and drug recovery operations, BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) sighted a metallic debris suspected to be part of a Chinese rocket at coordinates 08°28.490’N, 117°39.805’E, approximately 12.17 nautical miles southeast of Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.

PG-902 immediately conducted retrieval operations and secured the debris aboard the vessel. The item was subsequently transported to Puerto Princesa City for proper documentation, assessment, and disposition in coordination with concerned authorities.

The recovery of such debris underscores the importance of continued maritime surveillance in protecting Philippine waters and ensuring the safety of local communities potentially affected by foreign rocket remnants.

Western Naval Command remains steadfast in performing its maritime security and sovereignty missions to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and uphold Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

21/10/2025

LOOK | Navy Vessel Recovers Suspected Illegal Drugs Floating Near Sabina Shoal

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (October 20, 2025) — The Western Naval Command (WNC), through the BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) and the MCAAU–W, successfully recovered suspected illegal drugs floating in the waters near Sabina Shoal, West Philippine Sea.

At around 6pm of October 17, 2025, MCAAU–W received information regarding a floating black bag containing unidentified packages believed to be high-grade ma*****na in the vicinity of Sabina Shoal.

Upon receipt of the report, MCAAU–W immediately coordinated with WNC for verification and prompt action. In response, BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902), which was conducting maritime and sovereignty patrols in the area, was directed to locate and retrieve the said items.

At around 0640H of October 18, 2025, PG-902, together with MCAAU–W personnel, successfully recovered the suspicious packages.

Following established protocols, the recovered items were formally turned over by PG-902, together with personnel from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Palawan Police Provincial Office (PPO), to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Palawan at 2Lt Lagare Pier, Tidepole, Puerto Princesa City on October 20, 2025 for evaluation and proper disposition.

Western Naval Command continues to support inter-agency efforts in combating illegal drug trafficking and ensuring that the West Philippine Sea remains safe, secure, and free from unlawful activities.

19/10/2025

READ | The Western Naval Command Motivational Quote for the Week

"We can't help everyone but everyone can help someone."
- Ronald Reagan

18/10/2025

READ | The Western Naval Command Bible Verse for the Week

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others."
- 1 Peter 4:10

18/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Exercise SAMASAMA 2025 Concludes, Highlighting Strengthened Maritime Cooperation and Allied Interoperability

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (October 17, 2025) — The Philippine Navy, through the Western Naval Command (WNC), formally concluded Exercise SAMASAMA 2025 in a Closing Ceremony held today at the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon, Puerto Princesa City, with Commodore Francisco Cacho PN, Exercise Director, serving as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

In his remarks, Commodore Cacho lauded the professionalism and steadfast cooperation of the participating naval forces from the Philippines, United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, and France, and acknowledged Italy, Thailand, and New Zealand as observer nations, emphasizing the growing multilateral partnership among like-minded allies.

He further underscored that “Exercise SAMASAMA demonstrated the strength of our interoperability, operational cohesion, and seamless coordination—reaffirming our shared resolve to promote regional stability, uphold freedom of navigation, and deter threats to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Held from October 6 to 17, the two-week exercise featured a series of advanced maritime and air operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defense, gunnery, and communication exercises, as well as subject matter expert exchanges, community engagement activities—enhancing combined readiness and mutual understanding among participating navies.

Exercise SAMASAMA 2025 once again underscored the Philippine Navy’s enduring commitment to strengthening alliances, enhancing interoperability, and promoting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Waves of Readiness, Tides of Cooperation.
Unity at Sea, Strength in Action.

17/10/2025

16/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Day 9 of Exercise SAMASAMA 2025 Showcases Seamanship and Allied Interoperability at Sea

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (October 14, 2025) — On Day 9 of Exercise SAMASAMA 2025, naval forces under the Western Naval Command (WNC), together with participating navies from the United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, and France, continued to strengthen interoperability through a series of advanced maritime drills within WNC’s area of operations. Italy, Thailand, and New Zealand also joined the exercise as observer nations, underscoring growing multilateral cooperation in the region.

Under Naval Task Group 44.1 (NTG 44.1), participating navy vessels successfully executed a Surface Action Group versus Surface Action Group (SAG vs SAG) exercise—testing tactical maneuvering, battle coordination, and maritime warfare proficiency among participating units.

Following the engagement, Philippine Navy and US Navy vessels conducted a sail pass, a traditional naval custom symbolizing respect, goodwill, and unity, rendering honors to HMCS Max Bernays (Canada) and JS ONAMI (Japan) prior to their detachment from the exercise.

Meanwhile, personnel from Naval Special Warfare Unit 4 (NSWU4), Australian Defense Force (ADF) EOD, French EOD, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) EOD, and Philippine National Police (PNP) EOD participated in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) lecture and Full Mission Profile Brief, enhancing joint interagency coordination and maritime response capability.

In the next 24 hours, participating ships are set to conduct a simulated Maritime Strike (MARSTRIKE) operation with the US Marine Corps (USMC) and Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), along with a Cooperative Anti-Submarine Exercise (CASEX) involving BRP Antonio Luna, a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, and an AW159 helicopter.

Exercise SAMASAMA 2025 underscores the Philippine Navy’s enduring partnership with allied and like-minded nations in promoting regional stability, operational readiness, and a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Waves of Readiness, Tides of Cooperation.
Unity at Sea, Strength in Action.

16/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (October 14, 2025) — The Western Naval Command (WNC), through BRP IWAK LC289, delivered 600 sacks of rice and other essential supplies to the northern municipalities of Linapacan, Culion, and Coron from October 9–13, 2025, in support of the Palawan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

The mission ensured that vital relief assistance reached even the most remote communities, with the ship’s crew assisting in the unloading and distribution of goods across the three municipalities. In Coron, the Municipal Mayor personally thanked the Navy for its continued partnership in humanitarian logistics operations.

This successful operation highlights the Philippine Navy’s unwavering commitment to inter-agency efforts that bring hope and relief to communities in need.

Western Naval Command: Responsive and Resolute at the Frontline of Maritime Defense and Humanitarian Service.