PH, Australia hold maritime exercises in Visayas and Mindanao

Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Albany and HMAS Glenleg are participating in an exercise with the Philippine Navy this week. /NFWM

The Philippine Navy and Royal Australian Navy are holding maritime exercises in Visayas and Mindanao this week as the two countries seek to improve regional security.

Her Majesty Australian Ship (HMAS) Albany and HMAS Glenelg arrived in Zamboanga City last Monday to hold exercises with Philippine counterparts.

Part of the activities include maritime patrols in the sea lanes of communications in the waters of Zamboanga, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. Four Navy ships were eyed to participate with Australian Navy, the Naval Forces Western Mindanao said.

“The joint cooperation and continuous conduct of such activities with other regional navies had helped the government in preventing and ending piracy, kidnappings and terrorism in the maritime domain,” the NFWM said.

In Cebu, the HMAS Anzac docked on Monday for regular drills with Philippine counterparts.

Australia’s military relationship with the Philippines has been more felt since the Marawi siege last year through its various forms of assistance, but the two countries already have strong defense ties prior. /je