The Philippine Navy’s offshore patrol vessel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), joined this year’s 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise "Komodo" (MNEK) in Indonesia.

Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe led the country’s naval delegation, along with Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Colonel Emerson M. Delos Santos and Naval Task Group 84 Commander Captain Malone Agudelo, during the opening ceremony of the Komodo Exercise at the Port of Benoa, Bali, Indonesia, on 16 February.

PS16 Public Affairs Officer Lt. Ross Victor San Luis said 31 naval forces participated in the event, agreeing to “reinforce multilateral cooperation and regional maritime security efforts.”

“The ceremony highlighted the importance of maritime collaboration in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” San Luis told reporters on Monday.

Following the opening ceremony, San Luis said BRP Ramon Alcaraz also participated in the prestigious International Fleet Review (IFR), a showcase of naval presence and capability among participating countries.

“BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) proudly represented the Philippines in the naval formation, demonstrating the PN’s commitment to regional security, interoperability, and strengthening naval diplomacy with allied and partner nations,” he said.

The IFR featured an impressive display of naval assets, “symbolizing the collective resolve of nations in safeguarding maritime interests.”

“To cap off the day's engagements, the Philippine Navy delegation attended the Welcome Dinner hosted at the Official Residence of the Governor of Bali, His Excellency I Wayan Koster,” San Luis stated.

“The event provided a platform for senior naval leaders to foster camaraderie, engage in high-level discussions, and enhance international cooperation in maritime security,” he added.

The participating navies also exchanged insights and reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding peace and stability at sea.