Inert Tomahawk Missile live-fire drill held in Tacloban during Balikatan 41-2026, Army says

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
May 10, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Philippine Army's 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID) said a live-fire training event involving an inert Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) was carried out safely in Tacloban City in the early hours of May 5, 2026, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.

In a public statement, 8ID said the missile was launched at about 12:20 a.m. from a military-controlled area at the western portion of the runway of Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, a site used temporarily for the exercise under coordination with relevant authorities and in line with established safety and security procedures.

The missile later struck its intended target at around 1:33 a.m. within the Combat Readiness Training Area in Laur, Nueva Ecija, which the Army described as a recognized military reservation under Fort Magsaysay designated for live-fire activities.

Safety measures, exclusion zones implemented

The division assured residents in Eastern Visayas that the activity was planned in advance and conducted with strict safeguards in place, including airspace and maritime control, area clearances, and the enforcement of exclusion zones.

"These ensured that no civilian communities, particularly those within Tacloban City and nearby areas, were placed at risk at any point during the exercise," the statement said.

8ID acknowledged that some residents may have noticed increased military presence and short-term restrictions in certain locations, but said these were necessary to ensure the safe execution of the training event.

Balikatan training aims to boost readiness

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through 8ID, said it remains committed to transparency while improving operational readiness and defense capabilities for Eastern Visayas and the country.

The drill forms part of the largest-ever iteration of the annual U.S.-Philippine Balikatan exercises, which this year involve over 17,000 troops from seven nations and focus on enhancing joint interoperability, long-range precision strike capabilities, and regional defense readiness.

The 8ID, as the lead AFP unit for Eastern Visayas, oversaw local ground coordination, security, and public outreach to minimize disruption and maintain transparency throughout the operation.