PH, Australia partners once again in another Maritime Security Engagement

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.