The Philippine Navy and its counterpart in the United States officially began its naval exercises along with six other countries which feature at-shore exercises and at-sea designed training to improve their naval forces' interoperability and cooperation.

Philippine Navy Chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci and US Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Karl Tomas grace the ceremonial opening of this year's Exercise SAMASAMA on Monday, at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Blvd., Manila.

In a media interview, Adaci clarified that the exercise has nothing to do with a particular country despite being conducted amid the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea.

"The exercise is designed to be conducted here in Manila and in the southern Luzon area," he noted.

Thomas, on his part, stressed the need to recognize the rules-based international order.

"I think it is important that all nations have a right to sail and operate in the West Philippine Sea—free from worrying about being attacked and attack is probably a strong word, I would say, free from being coerced, free from being intimidated, you know we want the commons to be common and open and free and so as long as our nations operate in accordance with the rule of law, in accordance with the rules and regulations, the United Nations Convention of Law of the Sea," he said.

Around 700 sailors and marines from different PN units will be participating in various events which will be conducted in the National Capital Region and Naval Forces Southern Luzon until 13 October. Participating assets

Participating assets during the sea phase will include BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), an AW109 naval helicopter, a C-90 aircraft, and a Naval Special Operations Unit.

For a second year in a row, the Exercise will include other countries with the participation of navies from Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Australia in subject matter expert exchanges and events related to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Meanwhile, the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Indonesian Navy are also joining as observers.

Exercise SAMASAMA's inception dates back to 1994 when it was initially known as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training.

In 2017, its name was changed to Exercise SAMASAMA.

Subsequently, this exercise has been conducted annually across various regions in 2017 at Naval Forces Central, in 2018 at Naval Forces Northern Luzon, in 2019 at Naval Forces West, and in 2021 at Northern Luzon Command.

Moreover, it took place at Naval Forces Central and Naval Forces Southern Luzon. This exercise only saw the participation of other countries last year, in 2022, when it was held alongside the conduct of Exercise LUMBAS – the bilateral navy-to-navy exercise between the Philippines and Australia – with the limited participation of France, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance the capabilities of both nations in responding to regional crises through bilateral cooperation.

Additionally, it aims to strengthen its capacities to address non-traditional challenges, including territorial defense, natural and man-made disasters, counterterrorism efforts, maritime security, and transnational crimes.