Navy's BRP Conrado Yap, 2 SoKor vessels conduct passing exercise

The Philippine Navy's most powerful ship, BRP Conrado Yap (PS39), conducted a passing exercise with two other vessels from South Korea on Manila waters on Tuesday. 

According to the Navy on Wednesday, BRP Conrado Yap established communication with Republic of Korea Navy Kang Gam-chan (DDH-979) and ROKS Soyang (AOE-51) at 10 a.m. followed by low altitude flyby accorded by two FA-50 fighter jets from the Philippine Air Force.

South Korea also donated 10,000 pieces of face masks and 2,000 pieces of hand sanitizers to PS39 through rigid inflatable boats, the Navy said. 

The gesture was said to be inspired by South Korea's deep appreciation of the Philippines for being the first Asian country to send troops during the Korean War in 1950. 

This was followed by the three ships' tactical maneuvers and culminated with a farewell sail.

PASSEX is a customary undertaking to ensure that vessels and aircraft are able to communicate and cooperate with each other. It is also a form of rendering honors to transiting foreign naval vessels. 

The two South Korean vessels compose the ROKN Cruise Training Task Group that annually travels around the world visiting various ports including Manila.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ROKN opted for an at-sea exercise with the Philippine Navy on their way to Malaysia for a port visit. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News