Australian Navy ship arrives for training activity with Philippines in Zamboanga City

October 15, 2019

Australian Navy ship Ararat arrived Monday to join the 9th Combined Philippine Navy -Royal Australian Navy Maritime Training Activity-Philippines  in Zamboanga City.

Major Arvin Encinas, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the maritime training activity formally started with the arrival of HMAS Ararat at the Ensign Majini Pier of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao in Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City.

He said the activity “is being conducted since 2017 to continuously enhance the inter-operability of both navies.”

The training activity that started on October 14 is expected to run until November 6.

Encinas said the arrival ceremony was graced by Australian Embassy deputy head of mission Richard Sisson, WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom deputy commander for operations Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Coast Guard District South-Western Mindanao Commander Commodore Joseph Coyme, Australian Defence Force’s Joint Task Group 629 Commander Lt. Col. Mitchell Watson, and Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Rommel Agan.

“Also present during the ceremony were the officers and men of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and other invited guests,” he said.

Encinas said in his remarks  Agan emphasized that the “visit (HMAS Ararat) signifies the strong alliance and relationship between the Philippine government and the government of Australia, and we appreciate that Zamboanga has been chosen as one of the ports of all”.

Sobejana said “the presence of the Australian Navy is something that we, here in Zamboanga City will truly value.” 

“We the foot soldiers, airmen, sailors, and the marines of Western Mindanao Command will just be around the corner to ensure that the security of our joint area of operation is being protected,” said Sobejana. Robina Asido/DMS