MANILA, Philippines – How can Asean and other regional navies work together in responding to international maritime crimes?
This was addressed during the recently concluded first phase of the Asean-Plus Defense Ministers’ Meeting Maritime Security Field Training Exercise in Busan, South Korea.
At the sea-phase of the event, multinational navies, which included the Philippines, conducted voice radio drills and an international response training scenario designed to protect merchant ships and key facilities, the Philippine Navy said in a news release.
“The Philippine Navy, once again achieved its objective by participating in this maritime exercise. We are really looking to step up in this multinational arena and know that we can be at par with our counterparts,” said Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad, commander of Naval Task Group 80.6.
The Navy deployed BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) to participate in the event.
Aside from the Philippines, 11 other countries have sent their ships for the major sea exercise: Australia, Brunei, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, US and Vietnam.
Six other nations joined as observers: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, New Zealand and Russia.
Aside from the at-sea phase, the Philippine Navy also joined confidence-building activities like sports, welcome reception, ship tours and subject-matter expert exchanges.
The Navy patrol ship is now on its way to Singapore for the second phase of the event.
The ADMM- Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise, co-organized by Korea and Singapore, runs from April 30 to May 13. /gsg