The Philippine Navy vowed on Monday, Feb. 13, to further strengthen its interoperability with police units in safeguarding the country's maritime security.

Navy Flag-Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio D Adaci Jr. said this could be done by the conduct of joint training programs focusing on law enforcement operations between the two forces.

“The PN and PNP have many points of convergence that require close coordination and collaborative actions. With our strong partnership, we are creating a formidable force, together with our maritime stakeholders, that will defend our country against threats," said Adaci during his visit at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

He said interoperability with other law enforcement units is part of the Navy's agenda of transitioning into a modern and multi-capable naval defense force.

For his part, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. said PNP units have been conducting joint training programs that include visibility patrols, seaborne patrol operations, and efforts against piracy and response to other maritime incidents.

“Our cooperation and coordination have made us more responsive to the challenges of today and to the needs of our countrymen," said Azurin.

Both Azurin and Adaci emphasized the importance of the tripartite mechanism between the PN, PNP, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) set forth by the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) policy.

The two acknowledged the successes of past joint missions and expressed prospects for future collaboration between the police and navy, including coordination and information-sharing on maritime security, education and training concerning floating assets and equipment, and dialogue between staff to improve collaboration in terms of operations, intelligence, logistics, and community relations as well as disaster response.