ABOUT 250 personnel from the Philippine Navy and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) yesterday launched a maritime exercise in Subic, Zambales, aimed at enhancing interoperability in responding to threats.
The exercise, “Exercise Lumbas,” will run until Saturday.
The Philippine Navy is using patrol ship BRP Conrado Yap in the exercise while the Australians have brought in a frigate, HMAS Anzac, for the activity.
Navy chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr, who led the opening of the annual exercise, said Exercise Lumbas “is a critical opportunity to prepare ourselves to face the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of security threats in our region.”
“As we focus on maritime security and warfighting interoperability, we are preparing ourselves to operate seamlessly side by side with an environment where threats do not adhere to borders or timelines,” said Adaci.
Adaci said the 23rd iteration of Exercise Lumbas is meant to “sustain and strengthen military relationships and enhance interoperability” between the two navies.
He said the exercise also aims to “develop common operational doctrines, procedures and tactics.”
Adaci said “innovation and forward thinking” are keys to staying ahead in an evolving security environment, thus it is imperative for the two sides to continually “assess and reassess” their strategies, doctrines and tactics.
“Our ability to develop and implement cutting-edge technologies and tactics will determine our success in (deterring) threats and safeguarding our maritime domain,” said Adaci.
“To achieve this, we must foster a culture of learning and open collaboration. Our two navies have a wealth of knowledge and experiences to share,” he said.
Commodore Francisco Tagamolila Jr, commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, said the two sides are going to exchange ideas “to make sure that our doctrines, and our capabilities are updated.”
Tagamolila said the two sides will also train “to make sure that we maximize the potential of our capabilities, especially with the Australian Navy.”
Tagamolila said Australia is a “good friend” of the Philippines and “we have been working together with them for the very long time.”
In 2007, Australia and Philippines signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement which was ratified by the Philippine Senate five years later.
