First Philippine-Indonesia maritime training activity opens in Davao

November 25, 2019

The First Philippine-Indonesia Maritime Training Activity (MTA) opened in Davao City on Monday.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said the ceremony that was led by Lt. General Felimon Santos Jr., Eastmincom chief, was held at the Naval Station Felix, Apolinario, Panacan.

First Admiral Rachmad Jahadi, Commandant, Maritime Security Task Force of Second Fleet Command of the Indonesian Navy attended the activity and led the Indonesian delegates, which is also in preparation for the future conduct of coordinated patrol along the common borders of the two countries in the Celebes Sea, he said.

Balagtey said the one-week combined force training expected to conclude on November 30, 2019,  will involve personnel from the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and members of the Indonesian Second Fleet Command.

“The exercise ranges from naval doctrine discussion, tabletop exercise, and open sea drills and manuevers, which aims to enhance the readiness of both navies in addressing their common maritime security concerns and interests,” he said. 

In his remark, Santos emphasized the proactive stance of both Philippines and Indonesian forces to be abreast with the dynamic maritime security environment.

"It is imperative for us to keep up with the ever-changing maritime security environment and develop more robust approaches in addressing maritime security," said Santos.

Balagtey said the two countries naval forces will use four ships during the  training activity.

He said Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) will be deploying BRP Apolinario Mabini and BRP Liberato Picar, while the Indonesians will be utilizing KRI Layang and KRI Pandarong and will be sailing along the Philippine waters.

Commodore Antonio Palces, commander of NFEM, explained "the activity is Navy to Navy and it is more on military exercise." Robina Asido/DMS