PH, Australia begin military exercise

The Philippines and Australia on Monday kicked off their first bilateral amphibious exercise dubbed “Alon” (Waves) as tensions grow in the South China Sea over China's continued posturing in disputed waters.

Key leadership of IPE 2023 walks at the Flight Deck HMAS Canberra for the Opening Ceremony of the Exercise ALON 2023. PHOTO BY SGT DAVID Q BALISI PN(M)/CPL MARY JOY M HAYAHAY PN(M))

Armed Forces of the Philippines' Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Colonel Enrico Ileto said the military drills started with a ceremony at the Fight Deck of HMAS Canberra, an Australian vessel under the stewardship of Air Commander Tony McCormack, head of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE) 2023.

The AFP sent 111 troops to Australia for the military exercise.

Ileto said the IPE is part of Australia's flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean region that aims to promote security, stability, and stronger partnerships through bilateral and multilateral engagement training, capacity building and humanitarian efforts.

“The main objective of this exercise is to enhance interoperability and be able to share tactics, techniques and procedures and best practices in the conduct of amphibious operations,” Ileto said.

Early this year Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia Richard Marles vowed to support the Philippines in terms of holding joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

“(We are) also looking at ways in which we can do more exercises together,” said Marles.