![Romeo Brawner Jr HMAS Warramunga Australia.jpg](https://images.mb.com.ph/production/mb-mkt-neo-prod-1-uploads-2/media/434571838_828094796016757_4575025174155181420_n_8251440364/434571838_828094796016757_4575025174155181420_n_8251440364.jpg)
An Australian frigate has anchored in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan for a port visit, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday, April 3.
AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. boarded HMAS Warramunga in a tour hosted by the ship’s commander officer, Commander Jennifer Graham, on Tuesday, April 2.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, AFP spokesperson, said the port call was covered by the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Australia.
Signed in 2007, the PH-Australia SOVFA is a reciprocal document affording the same rights to Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel in the Philippines and AFP personnel in Australia.
“The call and visit [are] part of the AFP's military diplomacy activities aimed at strengthening military relations with partner nations,” Trinidad noted.
HMAS WARRAMUNGA is a long-range frigate capable of air defence, surface and undersea warfare, surveillance, reconnaissance and interdiction operations.
According to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), HMAS Warramunga is undertaking an “Indo-Pacific Regional Presence Deployment” throughout South and Southeast Asia.
During the deployment, HMAS Warramunga will conduct training, exercises and other engagements with Australia’s regional partners, RAN added.
The AFP did not say until when the Australian frigate will be in the Philippines.