BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), the Philippine Navy’s offshore patrol vessel, arrived in the Sultanate on October 6 for the biennial maritime training activity (MTA) Seagull 09-2024 alongside the Royal Brunei Navy and to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Brunei Darussalam-Philippines diplomatic relations.
The MTA Seagull 09-2024, a joint exercise from October 7-11, was in its ninth iteration, with the last being held in Cebu, Philippines in September 2018.
The Philippine Navy deployed Naval Task Group 84, comprising 169 personnel under Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF) Brigadier General Edwin E Amadar PN(M) as the officer conducting the exercise, led by Deputy Commander of Fleet Operations of the FMRF.
The MTA featured a wide range of activities to enhance interoperability between the two navies, including operational planning discussions, a two-day sea phase and specialised training. On Friday, the BRP Andres Bonifacio opened its door to the Filipino community in the country, allowing them to tour the vessel and interact with members of the Philippine Navy.
The Philippines Embassy in Brunei Darussalam hosted a reception onboard the vessel on Saturday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin attended.
Ambassador of Philippines to Brunei Darussalam Marian Jocelyn R Tirol-Ignacio, in her welcoming speech, highlighted the friendship between Brunei and the Philippines, founded on shared values, mutual respect and a commitment to regional stability.
The evening featured a ceremonial cake-cutting as well as dance and jazz performances by the Philippine Navy and members of the Filipino community in the country. – James Kon
