PN to conduct PASSEX with departing Russian ships Saturday

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 5): PN to conduct PASSEX with departing Russian ships Saturday

The Philippine Navy (PN) will conduct a "passing exercise" (PASSEX) manuever with the two Russian naval vessels once they formally depart from Pier 15, Manila South Harbor on Saturday.

This was confirmed by PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in an interview Thursday.

The PASSEX is part of the send-off ceremonies where visiting naval ships are given honors.

"Yes, that's part of (the) send-off ceremony and naval customs and tradition wherein we render PASSEX to any visiting navy. We have to comunicate thru voice radio and BRP Rajah Humabon (FF-11) will do the task," he added.

The BRP Rajah Humabon is the same ship which met the anti-submarine destroyer Admiral Tributs and oil tanker Buris Butoma during their arrival off Corregidor Island on Monday.

PASSEX will also provide PN and Russian naval units the chance to conduct some maneuvering and communication exercises.

The same was confirmed by Russian Pacific Fleet flotilla deputy commander Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov.

"These maneuevers will take place on Jan. 7 when we start our route from the Port of Manila there will be exercises and communication and manuevering in the territorial waters of the Philippines," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=952873