KL, Manila conduct naval exercises

KL, Manila conduct naval exercises

PHILIPPINES: The Philippines and Malaysia on Monday began annual naval exercises officials said would help the Asian neighbors ward off terrorism, piracy and other crimes in their area.

Four ships each from the navies of the two countries will join the 10-day exercises off the western coast of the main northern Philippine island of Luzon.

The exercises would allow navy personnel from the two countries to become familiar with each other's equipment and operations and help them respond quicker to emergencies, including ship accidents, Domingo said.

The two countries intensified naval patrols in waters between them after Philippine Muslim extremist guerrillas crossed into Malaysia and abducted 21 Western tourists and Asian workers from a scuba diving resort in April last year. --AP