PH Navy sails with ASEAN counterparts off Malaysian waters for multilateral exercise
Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral. Jose Ma Ambrosio Ezpeleta (right) renders a salute to officials of the Royal Malaysian Navy during the passing honors of BRP Jose Rizal as part of the ASEAN Fleet Review in Penang, Malaysia on Aug. 21, 2025. (Photo: PN)
The Philippine Navy (PN) sailed in unison with counterparts from different Southeast Asian countries off Penang, Malaysia on Thursday, Aug. 21, to showcase unity and maritime strength.
Guided missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF151) joined nine other naval vessels from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-states led by the Royal Malaysian Navy as the host of the ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) 2025.
Other participants include Brunei, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“The event, steeped in naval tradition, served as a powerful demonstration of ASEAN solidarity, interoperability, and commitment to maintaining peace and security in regional waters,” the PN said on Friday, Aug. 22.
The participants witnessed a fleet review as ships formed up in a display of maritime discipline and professionalism.
The PN said each participating vessel “stood as a proud symbol of its nation’s naval strength and contribution to regional stability.”
“For the Philippine Navy, participation in the Fleet Review underscored its continuing modernization journey and its role as a reliable partner in multilateral maritime cooperation. BRP Antonio Luna’s presence reflected the Navy’s growing capabilities in multi-role operations such as anti-surface, anti-submarine, and limited anti-air warfare,” it mentioned.
After the fleet review, the participating ships were scheduled to engage of sea-phase activities designed to enhance interoperability and operational readiness such as Maneuvering Exercise (MANEX), Replenishment at Sea Approach (RASAP), Publication Exercise (PUBEX), Flash Exercise (FLASHEX), Night Steaming in Company (NISC), and Screening Exercise (SCREENEX).
The theme for this year’s AMNEX is “Camaraderie and Coaction,” which the PN said continues to resonate as ships move from ceremonial displays to practical joint operations at sea.