A MARITIME exercise was concluded on Monday, May 29, to boost capabilities to address threats and crimes on the high seas.
This year’s Maritime Inter-Agency Exercise 2023-01 was conducted at the seawall of Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan.
Lt Junior Grade Edrod Callao, the NFEM public affairs officer, said the Maritime Inter-Agency Exercise 2023-01 aims to enhance synergy and test the interoperability of participating maritime agencies during maritime security operations.
Among the participating agencies who took part in the exercise were Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, Naval Task Force 71, Task Force Davao, Task Force Samal, Tactical Operations Group 11, Police Maritime Regional Unit XI, City Government of Davao, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Central 911.
An exercise scenario was issued for Capability Demonstration, highlighting the agencies’ land, air, and sea capabilities.
JTF Haribon became the Command and Control with JTF Seahawk (NFEM) to support maritime security operations within the coastal waters since the scenario was declared as terrorism.
The CAPDEMO concluded with a Passing Exercise of the participating units, which included the HSTW-01 of PNP Maritime Regional Unit XI, Sea Ambulance of Central 911, Speedboat of TF Davao, BRP Tubbataha (MRRV4401) of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, and two MD-520MG Helicopter of TOG11.
Participating units of Naval Task Force 71 also include RHIB 05 and 06 of NAVSOU7; BA492, BA493, and BA494 of the 4th Boat Attack Division; and BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37).
The Sol del Sur Resort tourist speedboat, one of the critical contacts of interest, also participated in the exercise.
“It is my endeavor to continue this exercise to refine our operational and contingency plans and take part in the continuing interagency cooperation, ensuring peace and security, which is an essential foundation of sustainable development,” Commodore Carlos Sabarre, NFEM commander, stated in his welcome remarks during the closing ceremony as he emphasized the essence of conducting said exercise.
In the closing remarks, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt Gen Greg Almerol said, “Through this exercise, we have built strong relationships as partners in the maritime community.”
“We have learned to work together more effectively, to better understand the maritime threats we face, and to develop new strategies to respond to maritime threats,” Almerol said.
He is also confident that the exercise will make the inter-agencies a more effective force in the fight against maritime crime and threats.
