Philippines, Australia maritime drills start

November 10, 2017

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Philippine Navy (PN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) began a 21-day maritime drill on Friday.

The PN-RAN Maritime Security Engagement, which ends on December 1, will be  held along the area of responsibility of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

The kick-off was highlighted by the arrival of Australia’s HMAS Larrakia (ACPB-84) and HMAS Maitland (ACPB-88), both Armidale Class Patrol Boats of RAN, in this city.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, said the exercises will be held in “high risk” areas within the areas of responsibility under his command.

Medina said high risk areas are the Pearl Bank in Tawi-Tawi; waters of Pangutaran, Sulu; sea lane from Basilan up to the Moro Gulf; and, the waters in Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon and Baliguian or the trip “SB” area in Zamboanga del Norte.

“This (maritime exercises) is likewise in support to the anti-terrorism and piracy campaign of the government,” Medina added.

Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely said the joint maritime security operation is a part of the enhanced Philippines-Australia defense cooperation, which was recently agreed by Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne.

“Australia and the Philippines has a shared responsibility in combating the threats post by global terrorism,” Gorely said.

Medina said four vessels of the NFWM’s Naval Task Force 61 will join the maritime exercises. These are: BRP-Davao del Sur (LD-602); BRP-Dioscoro Papa (PC-381); BRP-General Mariano Alvarez (PS-28); and, BRP-Emilio Liwanag (PC-118).

HMAS Larrakia and HMAS Maitland, skippered by Commander Mitchell Edwards and Lieutenant Jonathon Little, respectively, are the RAN vessels that will join the exercises.

Medina said the 21-day activity is as follow up to the Passing Exercises (PASSEX) and Communications and Electronics Exercise (COMMELEX) from September 22 to 25 in the Sulu Sea.

The BRP-Ramon Alcaraz, one of PN’s frigates, participated in the two events, with HMAS Parramatta as the counterpart from the RAN. DMS