Australia affirms support for Phlilippines anti-terror drive

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Philippine Navy (PN) started yesterday another round of joint maritime security exercises in this city that will run until Oct. 4. 

At the opening of the 5th PN-RAN Maritime Security Engagement, Capt. John Cowan, RAN commander, Sea Training Unit and representative of the Director General for Maritime Operations, reiterated the support of his government in the Philippines’ campaign against terrorism. 

“The battle against terrorism is a common fight linking Philippine Navy and Royal Australian Navy. We have shared regional maritime security concerns that are the core of our operational activities in the area,” Cowan said.

He gave assurance on the preparedness of his team, saying his sailors and officers had previously participated in interoperability training.

 Rear Admiral Rene Medina of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao expressed optimism that the presence of a RAN patrol ship would help sustain the Philippine Navy’s leads and mission in securing the country’s maritime domain. 

“I’m also sure this will deter plans of kidnapping at sea, piracy and smuggling,” Medina said. 

The RAN deployed its HMS Launceston alongside the BRP Alvarez for the joint naval exercises.