Indonesia and Philippine Navy Maritime Maneuver Begins

Four naval warships will be used in Maritime Training Activity. Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao will deploy Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas Apolinario Mabini and BRP Liberato Picar, while the Indonesian will be using KRI Layang and KRI Pandarong Warship. The first Philippine-Indonesia Maritime Training Activity starts at the Naval Station Felix, Apolinario, Panacan, on Monday.

According to Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), the one-week combined force training is participated in by the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and members of the Indonesian Second Fleet Command.

According to Commodore Antonio Palces, commander of NFEM, the activity is navy-to-navy, and it is more on military exercise compared to CORPAT- PHILINDO, which includes other civilian agencies from both countries.

The two navies will undertake a series of sea trials, open sea drills, and maneuvers, which aims to enhance the readiness of both fleets in addressing common maritime security concerns and interests.

First Admiral Rachmad Jahadi, Commandant, Maritime Security Task Force of Second Fleet Command of the Indonesian Navy, led the Indonesian delegates.

The activity is the preparation for the future conduct of coordinated patrol along the shared borders of the two countries in the Celebes Sea.