Three Australian warships docked in Manila after holding maritime exercises with a Philippine Navy vessel in the waters near Mindoro Island under Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endevour 2021 (IPE21), the Australian Embassy and the Philippine Navy said.
The Philippines is the last stop for the IPE21 this month, Canberra’s flagship regional engagement activity and Australia´s “demonstration” of “steadfast support for a peaceful, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific region, with Asean at its core.”
The HMA Ships Canberra, Sirius and Anzac docked on Sunday for a three-day port visit following the holding of “Exercise Lumbas” between the Australian Defence Force and the Philippine Navy in the waters near Mindoro.
The Australian Embassy said Exercise Lumbas is a bilateral Australia-Philippines training focused on high-end maneuvers and interoperability.
The embassy said that since late last month, the IPE21 task group has engaged in a program of “mutually supportive at-sea activities, training programs and capacity building with several partners in the region.”
The deployment involved around 700 people, including Australian defence and civilian personnel and participants from partner-nations. Capt. Constancio Reyes of the Philippine Navy served as the IPE21’s deputy commander.
“While modified Covid-19 conditions have required a contactless port visit, Australia and the Philippines will conduct seminars, workshops and other virtual exchanges on important regional issues such as maritime security, women, peace and security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during the IPE21 task group’s time in Manila,” the embassy said.
“This visit reflects the spirit of ‘mateship’ and bayanihan during our 75th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. It also demonstrates the increasing mutual trust and cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO.
Philippine Navy spokesman Cdr. Benjo Negranza said the Navy’s frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) joined Australia’s naval task group during the series of exercises held near Cabra Island before the Australian warships proceeded to anchor in Manila.
“IPE21 aims to strengthen Australia’s partnership with the region and across Southeast Asia by conducting a broad range of cooperative bilateral training and engagement events. The Philippines serves as IPE21’s final stop for September,” Negranza said.
“The participation of the PN in IPE21 demonstrates its unwavering commitment and steadfast dedication towards promoting regional cooperation and strengthening ties with other navies,” he added.
Image courtesy of Nonie Reyes