BRP Andres Bonifacio returns after 'Komodo' stint in Indonesia

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13, 2023): BRP Andres Bonifacio returns after 'Komodo' stint in Indonesia (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BRP Andres Bonifacio (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), arrived in time to celebrate the country's 125th Independence Day on Monday shortly after its successful participation in the "Komodo" naval exercises in Indonesia.

"After a successful and meaningful participation in Multilateral Naval Exercise 'Komodo' 2023 in Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia, BRP Andres Bonifacio arrived in the Philippine waters just in time for the celebration of 125th Philippine Independence on 12 June 2023," the ship said in its Facebook page late Monday.

For security reasons, the BRP Andres Bonifacio did not post its exact location in Philippine waters.

"Komodo" is a military exercise by the Indonesian Navy annually held between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans.

The first iteration of the naval exercise took place in 2014 in Indonesia's Batam City.

This year's exercises took place from June 4 to 8. The BRP Andres Bonifacio left Naval Operating Base Subic last May 29 to participate in these naval drills.

"With a complement of 187, the sailors and marines aboard PS-17 sail back full of vigor and enthusiasm for getting home on one of the most important days in Philippine history," it added.

The post said that BRP Andres Bonifacio became the epitome of a freedom defender patrolling the entire archipelago, protecting critical areas, and promoting the country’s maritime interests.

"As the nation celebrates Independence, the Katipuneros of PS-17 reaffirms its commitment to the land and the Filipino people to uphold the mandate of protecting the country’s Freedom, Future, and History," it further stressed.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203402