Camarines Norte: The Naval Forces of Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) clarified on Monday that the foreign vessels spotted off the waters of Camarines Norte province were part of a foreign maritime exercise among the US, France, and Japan.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. John Emmanuel Sison, NAVFORSOL public affairs director, stated that the foreign vessels were comprised of the French Navy, US Navy, and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. They are conducting a naval exercise hosted by the French Navy in the Philippine Sea, named "Exercise Pacific Steller 2025," which commenced on February 8, 2025.

"This exercise is a multi-large-deck event (MLDE) designed to advance coordination and cooperation among French, Japanese, and U.S. maritime forces," Sison explained.

The US Pacific Fleet highlighted that this exercise aims to promote a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific space for the benefit of French populations, interests, and those of their regional partners, within the framework of international law.

Sison further noted that the Philippine Navy, through NAVFORSOL, remains vigilant in monitoring and patrolling the maritime seas to ensure the safety and security of the population.

The Philippine Coast Guard in the Bicol region stated it continues to monitor and coordinate with the Philippine Navy, through NAVFORSOL, for the activities conducted in the waters off Camarines Sur.