PH, France hold joint activity off Mindanao archipelagic waters

The Philippine and French navies conducted a bilateral maritime cooperative activity in the Philippine archipelagic waters in Mindanao from Thursday to Friday.

In a statement Friday, the Philippine Navy said its Joint Task Force (JTF) Sinaya joined the activity.

Tje French Navy vessel Fregate de Surveillance Prairial (French Frigate) has transited the said waters since Wednesday.

“The PH–FRA Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity officially commenced on November 27 in the waters south of Balut Island, Sarangani, to the waters off Davao Oriental,” the Philippine Navy said.

“JTF Sinaya deployed the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) and NV392 as its participating assets, working in coordination with FS Prairial to execute a series of at-sea exercises,” it added.

Photo from Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy said the activity was proposed by the Embassy of France for the strengthening of maritime cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and promoting mutual understanding between the two naval forces.

Among the exercises were Combined Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (CVBSS); Maneuvering Exercise (MANNEX); Ship Control Approach; and Flashing Exercise.

For the Philippine Navy, these exercises provided an opportunity to test and enhance tactical proficiency, improve communication procedures, and deepen the interoperability of the two countries.

“JTF Sinaya’s involvement in this bilateral activity underscores the Philippine Navy’s ongoing commitment to fostering international defense cooperation and contributing to a secure maritime domain,” the Philippine Navy said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News