The Philippine Navy (PN) conducted a send-off ceremony on October 3 for Naval Task Group 84, with BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) serving as its key surface component for the upcoming Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 09-2024 in Muara, Brunei Darussalam, scheduled from October 7 to 11, 2024.
Vice Admiral Toribio D. Adaci Jr., the Flag Officer in Command, PN, led the ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales. He was accompanied by Rear Admiral Renato P David PN, Commander of the Philippine Fleet, and Brigadier General Edwin E Amadar PN(M), Commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF), who also serves as the Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE). In his address, Vice Admiral Adaci Jr encouraged the 169 officers and personnel from various Philippine Navy units to seize this opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations with their Bruneian counterparts.
Captain Glenn Dizon PN(GSC), the Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations of the FMRF, leads Naval Task Group 84, while BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) is under the command of Commander Renante H Del Prado PN(GSC). Colonel Joel Lazo PN(M)(GSC), the Deputy Commander for Marine Operations, FMRF, is the Exercise Director for the PN Contingent for the said training activity.
MTA SEAGULL 09-2024 is set to feature a comprehensive range of activities, beginning with operational planning and communication discussions tailored to the various serials and events for the two-day sea phase. It will also include a Navy SEALs workshop focused on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, as well as Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) collaboration and training. In addition, participants will engage in community outreach programs, subject matter expert exchanges, and sports events. These activities are meticulously designed to enhance interoperability, facilitate knowledge sharing, and deepen mutual understanding between the two navies, thereby strengthening their ability to collaborate effectively in various maritime security operations.
MTA SEAGULL is a biennial bilateral training exercise between the Philippine Navy and the Royal Brunei Navy, aimed at enhancing cooperation and fortifying the strategic partnership between the two navies. The Philippine Navy’s participation in this exercise underscores its commitment to deepening engagement and collaboration in maritime activities and joint training with the Royal Brunei Navy.