US and Philippine forces cancel ship-sinking drill after World War II-era target prematurely sinks

A World War II-era Philippine navy ship to be used as a target in a combat exercise by American and the Philippine forces accidentally sank hours before the mock assault, prompting the drill to be cancelled. The BRP Miguel Malvar, which was decommissioned by the Philippine navy in 2021, took on water while being towed in rough waters facing the disputed South China Sea and sank about 30 nautical miles off the western Philippine province of Zambales, the Philippine military said on Monday. American and Philippine forces will proceed with other live-fire maneuvers off Zambales on Monday despite the premature sinking of Malvar.