Missile-capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) conducted several maritime exercises with helicopter carrier JS Kaga (DDH-184) and guided-missile destroyer JS Murasame (DD-101) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) off Subic, Zambales, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced Monday, Nov. 15.
Commander Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson, said the Navy frigate held passing exercise (PASSEX), maneuvering exercise (MANEX), and photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the visiting Japanese vessels last Sunday "to practice cooperation and increase operational readiness between the PN and JMSDF."
"The Philippine Navy's participation in these exercises demonstrated its commitment to furthering ties with partner navies while allowing capacity enhancement for its personnel through experiential learning with modern navies," he said.
The two Japanese vessels docked in Subic, Zambales last Friday as part of efforts between Manila and Tokyo to promote further collaboration in its maritime activities.
The ships’ visit was part of the scheduled JMSDF Indo-Pacific deployment port call and maritime cooperation activity with the PN from Nov. 12 to 14.
During the ships' arrival, Negranza said that the PN's accommodation and support for the visiting Japanese navy despite the limitations brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic “is a gesture that contributes to the furtherance of both countries' stronger diplomatic relations and strategic partnership.”