Manila, April 26 -- Naval vessels in the multilateral maritime exercise on the second day of this year's Balikatan continue with division tactics (DIVTACS) which aim to refine deployment and coordination among the participants.

"This ongoing effort aims to bolster their combat readiness and operational effectiveness," Balikatan Combined Joint Information Bureau chief Lt. Col. John Paul Salgado said.

Naval vessels participating include the Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), landing dock BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), the USS Navy's landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) and French Navy's Floreal-class frigate, FS Vendemiaire (FFH-734).

Salgado said among the highlight was the cross deck-landing and si...