Philippine Navy to commence exercise

MANILA - Philippine Navy forces will commence a set of training activities on Sunday, code-named Exercise Pagsasama, with reservists to hone skills in various naval operations in Eastern Mindanao, a military spokesman said.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Omar Tonsay said this year's Exercise Pagsasama, which will last up to Friday, will be conducted in General Santos City and Glan town in Sarangani.

"It is focused on the conduct of naval tactical maneuvers at sea; maritime surveillance exercise; search and visit; board, search and seizure; and humanitarian assistance and disaster response," said Tonsay.

Tonsay said the exercise will feature 280 Navy personnel, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Salvador Abcede, and an islander plane. On the Philippine Navy Affiliated Reserve Units has dedicated 127 personnel and two ships for the training.

He said the exercise is "designed the exercise to test and enhance the readiness and interoperability" of the Navy with the reserve force "to respond to the call of service in maritime security operations, interagency operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response operations and other national emergencies."

Tonsay also said that the exercise will also "test the command and control" of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao with the reservists.