MANILA, Philippines — Following their participation in Australia’s largest maritime exercise, some 200 Philippine sailors and marines will return to Manila today.
The Philippine Navy said it would render an arrival ceremony for the contingent on board BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
The sailors participated in the 14th Multilateral Regional Maritime Exercise codenamed “KAKADU” 2018 held in Darwin, Australia.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad will lead the welcome ceremony at Manila’s South Harbor, according to Naval Public Affairs Office chief Commander Jonathan Zata.
The maritime exercise aims to promote greater levels of military cooperation and understanding among regional nations.
Zata said 27 countries took part in this year’s exercise from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15.
Filipino soldiers and sailors joined the week-long naval wargames and the Fleet Tactical Exercise among other activities.