4th PN-RAN Maritime Security Activity continues in Tawi-Tawi’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (July 31, 2018) – The Western Mindanao Command through the Philippine Navy welcomed the Royal Australian Navy in Tawi-tawi for the 2nd leg of the 4th Combined PN-RAN Maritime Security Activity, July 29, 2018, Military Official said.

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao disclosed that the Naval Station Juan Magluyan, an organic unit of NFWM facilitated the Arrival and Opening Ceremony of the 4^th Combined PN-RAN MSA with the two Royal Australian Navy Patrol Boats – HMAS Ararat and HMAS Wollongong inBatu-bato, Panglima Sugala,Tawi-Tawi. The said activity was attended by Lt. Col. Judd Finger of the JTG 629 of the Australian Government and LCDR Muksin A Jasid PN, Commander, Naval Station Juan Magluyan with the officers of NSJM and Commanding officers of PN vessel.

Rear Admiral Medina said that right after the opening ceremony, fellowship games between the PN and RAN delegates were held followed by a boodle fight which served as a symbol of brotherhood and strong bond between the two navies.

Moreover, series of meeting procedures and maritime patrols in the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) particularly in the waters of ZAMPELAN, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi will be conducted during the Maritime Security Activity. Also, various ship drills aboard PN and RAN vessels will be undertaken for the benefit and readiness of crew on board, Medina added.

Medina also said that the vessels involved in the maritime patrols under the control of NFWM are BRP Felix Apolinario (PC 395), BRP Anastacio Cacayorin (PC 387), Multi purpose Attack Craft BA 482. While HMAS Wollongong and HMAS Ararat will be utilized by the Royal Australian Navy.

Prior to this, a Coordinating/Planning Conference was held by the PN with RAN counterparts on June 5, 2018 as preparation for the conduct of the 4thMSA. Likewise, the first leg of the said MSA was held in Naval Forces West Area of Responsibility (NFW AOR) from July 16- 25, 2018, Medina added..

Medina explained that the continuous conduct of such activity enhanced the maritime interoperability between the PN and RAN and other regional state navies and to also complement the current operations of the Naval Task Group Basilan and Naval Task Group ZAMPELAN to pre-empt and end piracy, kidnappings and terrorism in the maritime domain. Also, this efforts of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao is in support to the anti-terrorism and piracy campaign of the government to maintain a safe maritime environment in Western Mindanao Command’s Area of Responsibility (AOR). (By JONG CADION 

with PR)