The Philippine Navy (PN) sailed with counterparts from 30 countries in the waters off Bali, Indonesia on Saturday, Feb. 22, marking the end of its participation to the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025.

The Philippine delegation was represented by the Naval Task Group (NTG) 84, headed by Captain Malone B. Agudelo, aboard offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), skippered by Commander Johanns O. Cruzada, during the multilateral sail.

Lieutenant Ross Victor San Luis, public affairs office chief of NTG 84, said the PN delegation enhanced its interoperability and strengthened its maritime security cooperation with its counterparts through a series of drills including photo exercise, search and rescue exercise, and passing exercise.

He said the photo exercise showcased the unity of participating navies as vessels maneuvered in coordinated formations, capturing the spirit of multinational cooperation through a dynamic display of seamanship with naval and aerial precision.

Meanwhile, participating naval vessels actively simulated rescue missions during the search and rescue exercise, “demonstrating a high level of coordination and interoperability in responding to maritime emergencies.”

To conclude the drills, the participants took part in the passing exercise, a traditional naval practice where ships sail in formation as a gesture of camaraderie and goodwill before they departed.

“This symbolic moment underscored the strong partnerships forged throughout the exercise and reaffirmed the shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” San Luis said.

The Komodo exercise is a biennial multilateral naval exercise that aims to enhance cooperation among the participants in building a common understanding of humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

This year’s exercise began on Feb. 16.