The Philippine Navy (PN) deployed Naval Task Group 84, with BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) as its primary surface component, for the upcoming Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 09-2024 in Muara, Brunei Darussalam, scheduled from October 7 to 11, 2024.
Vice Admiral Toribio D. Adaci Jr., the Navy Flag Officer in Command, led the deployment at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales, accompanied by Rear Admiral Renato P. David PN, Commander of the Philippine Fleet, and Brigadier General Edwin E. Amadar PN(M), Commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF) and Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE).
Vice Admiral Adaci Jr. encouraged the 169 officers and personnel from various Philippine Navy units to seize this opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations with their Bruneian counterparts.
Captain Glenn Dizon PN(GSC), Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations of the FMRF, leads Naval Task Group 84, while BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) is under Commander Renante H. Del Prado PN(GSC).
Colonel Joel Lazo PN(M)(GSC), Deputy Commander for Marine Operations of the FMRF, serves as the Exercise Director for the PN Contingent.
MTA SEAGULL 09-2024 will feature a comprehensive range of activities, starting with operational planning and communication discussions tailored to various events for the two-day sea phase.
It will also include a Navy SEALs workshop focused on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, alongside Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) collaboration and training.
Additionally, participants will engage in community outreach programs, subject matter expert exchanges, and sports events.
“These activities are meticulously designed to enhance interoperability, facilitate knowledge sharing, and deepen mutual understanding between the two navies, thereby strengthening their ability to collaborate effectively in various maritime security operations,” said Mendoza.
MTA SEAGULL is a biennial bilateral training exercise between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Brunei Navy aimed at enhancing cooperation and fortifying their strategic partnership.
