Phl, South Korean navies strengthen maritime security ties

The Philippine Navy has strengthened its bilateral relationship with the Republic of Korean Navy in the areas of maritime security efforts and upholding regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PN Flag Officer In Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. was welcomed by Command Submarine Forces-Jinhae Naval Base chief Rear Admiral Jeong Ho Kang at the Jinhae Naval Academy in South Korea earlier this week.

The Korean Navy toured Adaci inside the Type-214 1,800-ton class submarine (ROKS Yun Bong-gil SS-077). The Philippine Navy commandant also toured the Submarine Integrated Training Center.

Adaci inspected the ready-to-be-delivered Pohang Class Corvette (ROKS Andong) which was acquired by the PN from South Korea and still docked at Jinhae Naval Base,

The ROKS Andong is the second ship the PN will possess after the first acquisition of Korea's retired Pohang-class corvette, ROKS Chungju, which was renamed BRP Conrado in 2021.

The Pohang Class Corvette is the South Korean class of Patrol Combat Corvette with a primary mission of coastal line patrolling. It was deployed as a main force to monitor defense on the South Korean coast.

Such ships were equipped to perform anti-submarine, anti-ship and anti-aircraft warfare operations in the littoral environment.

Meanwhile, PN spokesperson Capt. Benjo Negranza said Adaci also met with Admiral Yang Yong-Mo, the Chief of Naval Operations of the ROK Navy, to discuss insights about maritime security in the Indo-Pacific Region.

"Both leaders shared their desire to strengthen the relationship between PN and ROKN. They also committed to work together to promote a rules-based order at sea and adherence to international law," said Negranza.

The Philippine Navy, he added, thanked the South Korean Navy for supporting the country's capacity-building efforts.