Philippines, Australia hold naval drills in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Australia yesterday started naval exercises, which are aimed at enhancing training, interoperability and cooperation between their navies.

Personnel of the Naval Forces West of the Western Command (Wescom) is leading the maritime security activity in Palawan until July 25.

The joint exercises also aim to address terrorism and kidnapping in Palawan’s water lanes, which are of common interest to the Philippines and Australia.

Capt. Cherryl Tindog, Wescom chief public information officer, said the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Ararat and Wollonggong arrived at the Puerto Princesa pier at around 9 a.m. yesterday. 

Tindog said the  Philippine Navy’s BRP Simeon Castro, Carlos Albert and Fort San Felipe would participate in the exercises. 

The drills kicked off at the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon with Capt. Carlos Sabarre, Naval Forces West deputy commander, as guest of honor and speaker. 

Tindog said this year’s maritime exercises would involve training on naval communication system, planning, individual shipboard, maritime surveillance and search and rescue.