The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) establishes stronger ties with the French Navy through the conduct of a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) in the vicinity waters of Iba, Zambales, on 27 October 2024.

PCG vessel, BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), and French Navy vessel, FS Prairial, will participate in the said capacity-building initiative.

During the exercise, the vessels will execute various activities such as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure, Fire Fighting, and Helicopter-Cross Deck, which aims to share best practices and be able to learn and acquire necessary knowledge in interoperability between other allies countries.

The said exercise will be conducted as a jibe activity of the BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301)  prior proceeding to Batanes to transport the food packs and essential non-food items in relation to the ongoing relief operations in response to the effects of Typhoon "Julian" and Tropical Storm "Kristine".