BRP JOSE RIZAL (FF150), HMCS OTTAWA, NRU ASTERIX, and CESSNA 353 from Naval Air Wing - Philippine Fleet carried out series of drills on September 19, 2023. They practiced various maneuvers, including DIVTACS, Replenishment at Sea (RAS) Approaches, and Photo exercises. 

The interaction was highlighted by a  Passing Exercise to bid farewell to the visiting vessels. The Philippine Navy extends this custom to all foreign navies during their goodwill visit as a gesture of courtesy and respect.

(Story and Photo by:  BRP Jose Rizal FF150 - PF)

On September 19, 2023, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and other law enforcement organizations successfully rescued 123 people from becoming victims of human trafficking on Tubalubac Island in Pangutaran, Sulu. Additionally, the operation resulted in the recovery of war materials and illegal drugs

The rescued trafficking victims were handed over to Ministry of Social Services and Development-BARMM (MSSD-BARMM) for documentation and assistance. The seized evidence was taken to CIDG Sulu-PFU for documentation and proper handling. Reports reveal that most of the rescued victims were from Cebu and Bohol, and they were forced to do difficult labor in spearfishing while being compelled to consume illegal drugs, specifically shabu, to cope with their difficult work conditions.

(Story and Photo by: Naval Forces Western Mindanao)

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — Sharing a similar vision in building good relationships with partner countries, MGen Noel Beleran PN(M), Deputy Chief of Staff for Education, Training and Doctrine, J8 meets with BGen Kazi Anisuzzaman, Directing Staff Army-6, National Defense College, Mirpur Cantonment in a Courtesy Visit here on September 20.

“We are planning to establish our defense cooperation and our shared responsibility through education and training in pursuit of a more stable Indo-Pacific,” said MGen Beleran.

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Deputy Chief of Staff for Education, Training and Doctrine, J8, MGen Noel Beleran PN(M) welcomed the delegates of the Australian Command and Staff College headed by the Australian Defence College, Wing Commander Nicholas Pausina in their Study Visit to the country on September 19 at the AFP Headquarters. 

“We are really looking forward to the opportunity to engage today. It is very much about the opportunity to expand our relationship. We are hoping to learn a lot,” said Wing Commander Pausina.