From the Philippine News Agency (May 16): PHL Navy, RSN sign MOU on White Shipping
In line with ongoing efforts to expand the country's military relations with its ASEAN neighbors, the Philippine Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Concerning the Exchange of Information relating to White Shipping.
The MOU was signed by PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado and RSN chief Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han at the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel, Singapore over the weekend.
Capt. Donn Anthony Miraflor, Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5 head, said the MOU signing manifests the strong desire of both Navies to further strengthen existing bilateral relations in order to enhance cooperation beneficial to the defense and security of both countries.
NTG 80.5 sailed to Singapore last May 6 aboard the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) which then participated in the events and activities relating to the RSN's 50th founding anniversary from May 11 to 19.
Signing of the MOU is part of the activities, he added.
Core of this understanding emphasizes the need to enhance information sharing relating to White Shipping which generally covers general commercial ships, passenger liners, pleasure craft and fishing boats, which are non-military and non-government in nature.
Miraflor said the MOU underscores the establishment of policies and procedures for the conduct of information sharing and reciprocal protection of information relating to White Shipping between the two nations in order to enhance maritime awareness in their respective areas.
He added that signing of the MOU highlights the PN’s strong commitment and desire to enhance its maritime awareness through partnership and cooperation with the end in view of strengthening its security and protecting common maritime interests.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/988078
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