PH joins China, Russia, US in maritime drills in S. Korea

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine contingent arrived on Saturday in South Korea to take part in maritime security drills, alongside other Southeast Asian navies and those of China, Russia and the United States.

The 200-man Philippine Navy contingent led by Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad arrived in Busan on board BRP Andres Bonifacio  for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) maritime security field training exercise (Marsec FTX).

Naval diplomacy

In his arrival statement in Busan, Trinidad said that the country’s participation in the drill “demonstrates the command’s commitment to work with other Asean and partner navies in [a] multilateral environment.”

He pointed out that the deployment of Philippine Navy ships abroad was part of efforts on “naval diplomacy.”

BRP Andres Bonifacio commanding officer Capt. Jerry Garrido said that the Philippine contingent’s participation in the exercise would “provide opportunities to enhance our skills and interact with fellow sailors.”

The ADMM-Plus Marsec FTX is the Philippine Navy’s second international defense and security engagement this year.