
A landing ship tank of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) arrived in Manila on Thursday, Feb. 13, for a goodwill visit as more and more countries are establishing closer security cooperation with the Philippines.
Republic of Singapore Ship (RSS) Endeavour (210) was welcomed by the Philippine Navy (PN) when it docked at the Port of Manila.
Colonel Wong Chng Tong, deputy commander of RSN’s Maritime Training and Doctrine Command, and his delegation paid a courtesy call at the PN headquarters where they were received by Commodore Ireneo D Battung PN, commander of PN’s Sealift Amphibious Force, to represent Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.
“The visit highlights the mutual commitment of both nations to regional peace, stability, and security. It also offers the Philippine Navy valuable opportunities to gain insights into best practices, improve operational capabilities, and strengthen future collaboration on maritime security challenges, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing strategic capabilities and fostering closer ties with regional partners,” PN spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said on Friday, Feb. 14.
During the courtesy call, Commodore Battung and Colonel Wong discussed ways to enhance the bilateral defense relations and cooperation of the Philippines and Singapore.
“They also exchanged views on the education of naval officers from both countries to promote knowledge sharing and professional development,” Alcos added.
According to the Ministry of Defence of Singapore, the RSS Endeavour measures 141 meters long, has a beam of 21 meters and displacement of 6,000 tonnes. It has an 81-member crew.
She has a speed of 15 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles.
The Endurance-class landing ship tank is the second foreign warship to be in the country for a goodwill visit in the past week.
From Feb. 7 to 11, Canadian frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH-341) was also in Manila to engage with the PN.