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