RP, Malaysian navies start exercises

RP, Malaysian navies start exercises

PHILIPPINES: The Philippine and Malaysian navies officially began
two-week long joint exercises aimed at boosting interoperability
and cooperation in Philippine waters on Thursday, a statement
said.

"It is expected to boost the two navies' efforts in combating
piracy, smuggling and other crimes on the high seas",
particularly in the maritime border shared by the two countries,
a Philippine navy statement said.

Three Philippine ships, a plane, a helicopter and a team of
special naval commandos will take part with three Malaysian ships
and a naval special operations team, the statement added.

The drills and exercises will be conducted off the central
Philippine islands of Cebu, Panay, Bohol and Boracay.

This marks the Philippines' eighth exercise with the Malaysian
navy since such cooperation began in 1998. -- AFP