PH, Australia begin maritime security training

From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 12): PH, Australia begin maritime security training

FILIPINO troops commenced a maritime security training, dubbed Exercise Lumbas, with Australian forces in Cebu yesterday, coinciding with the termination of an amphibious exercise with US servicemen.

Lt. Bennet Christian Nuevarez, Exercise Lumbas public affairs officer, said two Australian ships, patrol boats HMAS Larrakia and HMAS Glenelg, are taking part in the 12-day activity.

Nuevarez said the Philippine Navy has dedicated three ships for the exercise, namely, patrol boat BRP Campo and former Australian ships Landing Craft Heavy BRP Batak and BRP Agta.

BRP Batak is one of the two LCH donated by the Australian government.

BRP Agta is one of the three ships acquired from the Australian government for P270 million as part of the Navy’s modernization program.

Nuevarez said the at-sea training activities, to be conducted at Camotes Sea, will be focused on maritime security operations, specifically dealing with piracy and human trafficking.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/ph-australia-begin-maritime-security-training