The Philippine Navy has strengthened its capability to provide emergency medical care during maritime operations as its medical team aboard BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG6) joined combat casualty care training at the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2026 in Hawaii.
The Maritime Tactical Combat Casualty Care Training was held from June 29 to 30, 2026, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as part of the harbor phase of RIMPAC 2026.
According to the Philippine Navy, the training was aimed at improving the knowledge, skills, and proficiency of military medical personnel in responding to medical emergencies at sea.
Participants underwent two days of theoretical instruction before taking part in practical exercises, including a simulated mass casualty medical drill aboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Ottawa.
The drill tested their ability to apply Tactical Combat Casualty Care principles in a maritime setting, with emphasis on rapid assessment, immediate treatment, and casualty evacuation.
The Philippine Navy said the training helped enhance the readiness of its medical personnel to respond to emergencies during multinational maritime operations, where quick and coordinated medical action can be critical to saving lives.
It also provided an opportunity for participating forces to strengthen interoperability and exchange best practices in combat casualty care.
The Navy said its participation reflected its commitment to improving the professional competence of its medical personnel while supporting RIMPAC 2026’s objectives of promoting cooperation, interoperability, and collective readiness among allied and partner navies.