The Philippine Navy (PN) is set to participate in the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK), which will take place in Bali, Indonesia, from 15-22 February.

Navy spokesperson Captain John Percie Alcos said the Philippines will deploy one of its offshore patrol vessels, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16).

“The Fleet Marine Ready Force is deploying a Naval Task Group with BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) committed to figure in various surface and non-warfare related events and serials,” he told reporters during a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday.

“As a major exercise in the region, MNEK focuses on enhancing relations and cooperation among participating nations in maritime security operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” Alcos pointed out.

He also emphasized that the upcoming exercise will allow the Philippine Navy “to deepen ties with regional and global partners, promoting maritime security through combined operations and discussions.”

“By participating in the International Fleet Review and the Maritime Security Symposium, the Philippine Navy reaffirms its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region,” he added.

The MNEK is an annual military exercise spearheaded by the Indonesian Navy, conducted between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

It includes a shore phase with engineering and medical civic action programs, an international maritime security symposium, community outreach, military sports engagements, and an international fleet review.

It serves as a unique naval engagement compared to other multilateral naval exercises in the region, as it emphasizes non-war-fighting aspects of operational-level exercises.

The first iteration of the naval exercise took place in 2014 in Indonesia's Batam City.