PH Navy joins ASEAN-US maritime drills in Indonesia

The Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed Naval Task Group 80.5 aboard BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) for the second Association of Southeast Asian Nations-United States Maritime Exercise (AUMEX 2025) in Batam, Indonesia, an initiative viewed as part of a broader effort by Southeast Asian states and Washington to counter China’s growing presence in the region.

- By Martin Sadongdong

Commodore Peter Jempsun V. De Guzman, commander of the PN’s Naval Defense Command, said the Navy’s participation reinforces the country’s presence in joint maritime operations amid mounting security challenges in regional waters.

The contingent will train with ASEAN and US forces from Dec. 8 to 14. A sendoff ceremony was held on Dec. 4 at Naval Operating Base Subic in Zambales.

De Guzman noted that this year’s theme, “Cooperative Readiness for Maritime Crisis Response,” highlights the need for coordinated action in handling complex maritime situations.