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First Phil-Indo Maritime Training kicks-off in Davao

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DAVAO CITY – The First Philippine-Indonesia Maritime Training Activity (MTA) is now entering its third day at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.

The training which started on November 25, 2019 will endvember 30. on No

Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command opened one week combined force training activity which is hosted by the Philippines. It will involve personnel from the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) and members of the Indonesian Second Fleet Command. 

The exercise ranges from naval doctrine discussion, tabletop exercise and open sea drills and maneuvers, which aims to enhance the readiness of both navies in addressing their common maritime security concerns and interests. 

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, Lt. Gen. Santos Jr. emphasized the proactive stance of both forces to hold abreast with the dynamic maritime security environment. “It is imperative for us to keep up with the ever-changing maritime security environment and develop more robust approaches in addressing maritime security,” he said. 

Four naval ships will be used during the MTA with NFEM deploying BRP Apolinario Mabini and BRP Liberato Picar, while the Indonesian counterpart will be utilizing KRI Layang and KRI Pandarong and will be sailing along the Philippine waters during the activity. “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,” Commodore Antonio C. Palces, Commander of NFEM explained. 

First Admiral Rachmad Jahadi, Commandant, Maritime Security Task Force of Second Fleet Command of the Indonesian Navy attended the activity and led the Indonesian delegates, which is also in preparation for the future conduct of Coordinated Patrol along the common borders of the two countries in the Celebes Sea. I

t can be recalled that the RP-RI Border Committee Chairmen’s Conference was held last week at the Water Front Hotel, Davao City wherein both Chairmen agreed to continuously intensify the conduct of Coordinated Patrol operations that will seek to ensure the security and maritime control in both countries’ common borders.