PH Navy joins 31 countries in joint exercises in Bali

THE Philippine Navy on Sunday joined 31 foreign navies in the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025 in Bali, Indonesia. Lt. Ross Victor San Luis, Navy spokesman, said naval vessels mostly from Asean countries took part in the Photo Exercise, Search and Rescue Exercise and the Passing Exercise. The Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz, skippered by Commander Johanns Cruzada, along with Captain Malone Agudelo from Naval Task Group, represented the Philippine Navy contingent in the sea drills. The Philippine Navy also took part in the International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS) at the Westin Hotel in Bali. The symposium, attended by naval representatives from 31 countries, provided a vital platform for discussing maritime security challenges and strengthening regional cooperation. The Philippine Navy delegation was made up of Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, commander of the Philippine Fleet and delegation head; Col. Emerson Delos Santos, Defense and Armed Forces Attaché of the Philippines; Captain Malone Agudelo, commander of Naval Task Group 84; and Commander Johanns Cruzada, commanding officer of the Ramon Alcaraz. The symposium, presided by the chief of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Muhammad Ali, featured high-level discussions on emerging maritime threats, multilateral cooperation strategies, and interoperability among naval forces. Keynote speakers and experts from various nations shared insights on safeguarding maritime domains, ensuring freedom of navigation, and strengthening coordinated responses to maritime security challenges.