MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Navy and Royal Australian Navy on Monday kicked off joint naval exercises in Zamboanga City to address the threat of terrorism and kidnapping in the region.
PHOTO FROM WESTERN MINDANAO COMMAND
Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Ararat arrived at the Ensign Majini Pier of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao on Monday morning, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said in a statement.
Wesmincom officials and Australian delegates were present to witness the launching ceremony.
“With this joint exercise, I do believe that it is a very big deterrent so that the enemies of the state will think twice of passing along the area where the joint exercise is being conducted,” said Wesmincom’s Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.
The exercises will run until November 6.
The joint drills are being conducted a few days after the abduction of a British national and his wife in Zamboanga del Sur. /gsg