After its participation in the “Kakadu 2014” in Australia, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), most modern warship of the Philippines, is now at the Surabaya Naval Base in Indonesia for a three-day port visit which is designed to promote naval diplomacy, camaraderie and foster goodwill with the Indonesian Navy.
The ship left Darwin, Australia at the conclusion of the above-mentioned exercise on September 12.
In this regard, Fleet-Marine Ready Force chief Commodore Jorge F. Amba, Sealift and Amphibious Force head Capt. Narciso Vingson, Naval Task Force 80 chief Capt. Albert A. Mogol, and BRP Ramon Alcaraz commanding officer Capt. Ernesto O. Baldovino rendered courtesy calls on Indonesian military heads, Surabaya City mayor and the head of the Filipino community in the locality.
Likewise, the group will pay a visit to PT PAL Shipyard where one of the Philippine Navy’s strategic sealift vessels is being built.
The PN will also be hosting a dinner reception for the Indonesian counterparts and Filipino community on board BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
The ship will be open for tour during its stay in Indonesia.
Earlier this year, Alcaraz’s sister ship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) was also sent to Batam, Indonesia to participate in the Multilateral Naval Exercise codenamed “Komodo.”
Three months after that, an Indonesian warship KRI Banjarmasin arrived in Manila for a port visit which included activities such as goodwill games, ship tour and subject matter expertise exchanges.
These frequent interactions between the navies of the two countries manifest their commitment in enhancing ties and friendship in order to promote peace, security and partnership to advance their common interests.
Just recently, the Philippines and Indonesia forged an agreement concerning the delimitation of their exclusive economic zone boundary which provides for enhanced cooperation between the two navies, especially in the conduct of border patrol operations and information sharing to address common maritime concerns.