Philippine, Australian naval forces end exercise at vicinity of Sulu Sea

September 26, 2017

The joint maritime patrol exercise conducted by Philippine and Royal Australian Navies at the vicinity of Sulu Sea ended Monday, a Philippine Navy official said Tuesday.

“The Philippine Navy (PN) and the Royal Australian Navy conducted Passing Exercises (PASSEX), Communications and Electronics Exercise (COMMELEX) and joint maritime patrol at the vicinity of Sulu Sea from September 22-25, 2017,” said Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander.

Medina said the exercise between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy is embodied in the Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES).

“The CUES is an agreement signed by 21 countries including the Philippines and Australia that limits the occurrence of incidents at sea and prevents the escalation of tensions between navies in agreement,” he said.

“The NFWM and the Philippine Navy as a whole is assured that the strong defense relationship and continuous conduct of joint maritime patrols with the Royal Australian Navy will further improve its capabilities and service to the maritime nation especially in the Western Mindanao region where the exercise is being held,” he added.

Medina said the patrol was participated by Philippine Navy Del Pilar Class Frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16) and Her Majesty Australian Ship Parramatta of the Royal Australian Navy.

“The exercise is designed to strengthen the defense relationship of both navies when it comes to establishment of communications with each other while conducting joint maritime patrols in the region,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS