PH Delegates Meet Consul General in Hawaii for RIMPAC 2026 Preparations

Philippine delegates to the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise, led by Capt. Julius E. Valdez of the Philippine Navy and Capt. Martin L. Bernabe of the Philippine Coast Guard, paid a courtesy call on Philippine Consul General Arman R. Talbo to firm up preparations for the RIMPAC Mid-Planning Conference and the country’s participation in RIMPAC 2026, set for June and July next year.

During the meeting, Consul General Talbo reaffirmed the Consulate’s full support for the contingent, underscoring the importance of the Philippines’ continued involvement in regional defense cooperation. He stressed that the country’s active participation in RIMPAC plays a crucial role in promoting peace, stability, and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.

RIMPAC, organized by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), is the world’s largest biennial multinational naval exercise. It brings together naval forces from U.S. allies and partner nations across the Pacific and beyond, with the goal of strengthening interoperability, enhancing collective naval capabilities, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The exercise features a wide range of complex operations, including amphibious landings, anti-submarine warfare, air defense scenarios, maritime interdiction, and high-level joint training designed to bolster coordination among participating forces.

Accompanying Consul General Talbo were Consul Elizabeth P. Ramos; Capt. Roldydin Cris A. Sergio and Lt. Col. John Paul Gopela of the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Liaison Office to U.S. INDOPACOM; and Ms. Lallaine Marie Uy.

With early coordination now underway, Philippine officials expressed confidence that the country’s delegation will be well-prepared for its expanded role in the upcoming RIMPAC 2026 exercises.