PHL, US forces conclude mine search, underwater search-and-retrieval training in Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 28): PHL, US forces conclude mine search, underwater search-and-retrieval training in Palawan

Philippine Navy (PN) special operations operatives and their US counterparts recently concluded another exercise called the "Humanitarian Mine Action Assistance Training" which was held last Oct. 17 to 26 in Palawan.

This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo Thursday.

The nine-day training activity took place at the Western Command's Tide Pool Pier at Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

"It was a small unit subject matter expert engagement that has long been prior scheduled and participated in by only eight PN Special Operations personnel and four US counterparts," Arevalo said.

The AFP official added training aims to give PN personnel proficiency in the use of "side scan sonar".

"(During the training) we (also learn to use the equipment) for mine search and also (for) humanitarian underwater search-and-retrieval operations.

Western Command head Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado said other training exercises that took place include dive planning, emergency dive procedures, sonar operation and practicals on sonar operation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=935389