By
Jong Cadion
ZAMBOANGA
CITY (March 13, 2018) - The Philippine Navy, through Naval Forces Western
Mindanao under the operational control of Western Mindanao Command will be
holding the 2nd Maritime Security Engagement together with the Royal Australian
Navy after the successful conduct of the 1st Maritime Security Engagement
October last year, a sign that both countries share a strong relationship in
matters of security, military official said.
Rear
Admiral Rene V. Medina AFP, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM)
disclosed that the arrival of Australia’s Her Majesty Australian Ship (HMAS)
BROOME and Her Majesty Australian Ship LAUNCESTON on Monday (March 12) at
Zamboanga City Pier highlights the start of the 2nd PN-RAN Maritime Security
Engagement, a 21 - day engagement starting March 13 to April 2, 2018. The
activity includes maritime patrols in the waters of NFWM AOR comprising the
waters of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
RADM
Medina said these kinds of activities are part of the anti-piracy and
anti-terrorism campaign of the government which help curb the security threats
that are affecting the Islands of Mindanao. The joint engagements conducted
were one of the major causes in depleting the number of kidnapping incidents in
Western Mindanao. Last year, 0 Kidnappings have been recorded within NFWM AOR
through the effort of both local and international agencies.
“I
am very certain that both our navies share common concerns in ensuring safer
seas and trade routes for our sea farers and respective communities. The piracy
and terrorism here in the Southern Philippines is not only the concern of our
country but the concern of all.” RADM Medina said.
Through
these efforts, The Philippine Navy, through the Fleet Marine Team of Naval
Forces Western Mindanao, assured the Filipino People, particularly of the
surrounding communities of Southern Mindanao that it will continue to uphold its
mandate of protecting our sovereign seas and ensuring that security threats and
terrorism will be finally put to an end for a peaceful and progressive
Mindanao, RADM Medina added.
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