The Philippine Navy holds drills involving one of its newest ships and the Philippine Air Force’s two light combat aircraft near Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan province on Tuesday (Sept. 22). NPAO
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy held drills involving one of its newest ships and the Philippine Air Force’s three light combat aircraft near Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan province on Tuesday (Sept. 22) in an exercise which the Navy said was meant to assert Philippine “naval presence” in the area.
The Philippine Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) conducted Passing Exercise with another PN vessel, BRP Quezon (PS70) at the vicinity of Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan today, September 22. | https://t.co/ZgFBQi4KPi#FF150RIMPACJourney#StrongandCrediblePHNavy#AFPyoucanTRUST pic.twitter.com/dIcLQEZpEO
— Philippine Navy (@Philippine_Navy) September 22, 2020
The Navy’s newest warship, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), conducted passing exercise (Passex) with BRP Quezon (PS-70), according to Lt. Cmdr. Maria Christina Roxas, Navy public affairs director, in a statement. Jose Rizal had just taken part in the US-led Rim of the Pacific exercises in Hawaii.
The Philippine Air Force’s three FA-50 Korean-made light combat jets also joined the exercises.
The drills were a customary procedure to simulate communications and coordination between vessels and aircraft during actual operations. It was also a traditional way to honor transiting vessels.
But the Navy, in its statement, said the vessels’ “passage through Naval Forces Northern Luzon’s area of responsibility is deemed monumental and symbolic as it was able to show the Philippine flag and assert naval presence, particularly in the strategic waters off Batag Island, Benham Rise and Fuga Island.”
The strategically-located Fuga Island, which provides access to the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea, drew public attention in 2019 after a Chinese investors showed interest in converting it into a $2-billion “smart city.” The deal did not push through after the Philippine Navy raised concerns it could compromise national security.
BRP Jose Rizal is expected to arrive at Pier 15 in Manila’s South Harbor on Wednesday (Sept. 23).
TSB