PH Navy warship heads to Australia for war games

BRP Ramon Alcaraz

A Philippine Navy warship is heading to Darwin, Australia to take part in the two-week maritime drills.

A sendoff ceremony for the 300-man contingent of BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) was held on Monday to participate in the 14th multilateral regional maritime exercise Kakadu 2018.

The Philippine Navy’s participation of maritime drills overseas comes after taking part in the Rim of the Pacific (Rimpac) exercise in Hawaii.

Kakadu is the third international defense and security engagement of the Philippine Navy this year, said public information officer Commander Jonathan Zata.

It is Australia’s largest exercise, hosted biennially by the Royal Australian Navy. It is also the third time that the Philippine Navy has sent one of its ships to join Australia’s maritime drills.

Kakadu will be held from August 31 to September 15, with 26 nations participating in the war games.

Zata said the Philippine Navy’s participation shows its commitment in promoting multilateral cooperation.

“It is an affirmation of its commitment in collaborating with other navies to promote peace and stability in the region,” he said.