PHL Navy sends off contingent to join International Fleet Review in China

The Philippine Navy dispatched on Monday the amphibious warfare vessel BRP Tarlac (LD601) to join the International Fleet Review in Qingdao, China.

As part of the celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (Chinese-PLA-Navy) on April 22 to 25, navies from Asia and other parts of the world will participate in the International Fleet Review.

The BRP Tarlac is expected to arrive in China on April 21 with a 400-man Naval Task Group under Captain Francisco Tagamolilla.

The contingent also has a helicopter detachment, PMA graduating cadets and student officers under different naval training programs.

The participating contingent will also join various activities in Qingdao such as courtesy calls, professional exchanges, shipboard reception and tour, friendly games and cultural exchanges.

Flag Officer-In-Command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said the contingent’s participation in the International Fleet Review aims to express the commitment of the Philippines for a peaceful, stable, and rules-based order in Southeast Asia.

“I am confident that such process will receive a welcome traction and will definitely evolve to a more open and more friendly relationship towards that extra step in addressing bilateral concerns on the ground in a more trustful manner,” Empedrad said. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News