Two Royal Australian Navy (RAN) warships were welcomed by Philippine Navy’s Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) on November 10 at Zamboanga City Pier. The RAN warships were Armidale-class patrol boats Her Majesty Australian Ship (HMAS) Larrakia and HMAS Maitland.
“The visit of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is in connection with the conduct of the Combined Philippine Navy-Royal Australian Navy Maritime Security Engagement from November 10 to December 1, 2017 which will be held along the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Area of Responsibility,” NFWM said.
NFWM photo
Activities for the said engagement include series of meeting procedures and planning/coordination for the conduct of the combined patrols in NFWM Area of Responsibility.
The Combined Philippine Navy-Royal Australian Navy Maritime Security Engagement also supports the anti-terrorism and piracy campaign of the government.
NFWM photo
Philippine Navy assets to be deployed are BRP Dioscoro Papa (PC 381); BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS 28); BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602) and BRP Emilio Liwanag (PC 118).
“Aside from enhancing the maritime cooperation with other regional navies, the training activity with RAN to secure the vast maritime domain of the Sulu Sea proves that the Philippine Navy particularly the Naval Forces Western Mindanao does not work alone in protecting and maintaining the peace, order and stability in its area of responsibility. This upholds to a strong relationship of the PN and RAN when it comes to maritime patrol and security,” NFWM said.