Philippine Navy's BRP Andres Bonifacio Participates in Maritime Training Activity in Brunei

BRP Andres Bonifacio docked at Muara Naval Base.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 16 October 2024 — The Philippine Navy’s offshore patrol vessel, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17), arrived in Brunei on 06 October 2024, to participate in the biennial Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Seagull 09-2024 alongside the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Philippines-Brunei Diplomatic Relations. 

The Philippine Navy delegation was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio and Lieutenant Commander Md Zulyamin bin Md Noor, RBN, Commanding Officer of KDB Darulehsan and  Commander Task Group 09/2024. Also present to welcome the Philippine contingent were Colonel Garry L. Atienza, PAF(GSC), Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, and Lieutenant Commander Nazurah bte Haji Mahaleh, RBN, Acting Commanding Officer of KDB Afiat.

The MTA Seagull 09-2024, a joint exercise running from 07 to 11 October 2024, marks the ninth iteration of MTA Seagull between the navies of both countries. It is the first held after the COVID-19 pandemic, the last being hosted in Cebu, Philippines in September 2018. It underscores the commitment of the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam to strengthen maritime cooperation and regional security.

The Philippine Navy deployed Naval Task Group 84, composed of 169 personnel, under Brigadier General Edwin E Amadar PN(M), Commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF) as the Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE) and led by Captain Glenn Z. Dizon, Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF), aboard the BRP Andres Bonifacio. The BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) is under the leadership of its ship captain, Commander Renante H. Del Prado PN(GSC).

MTA Seagull 09-2024 featured a wide range of activities designed to enhance interoperability between the Philippine and Brunei navies. The exercise included operational planning discussions, a two-day sea phase, and specialized training such as Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations and Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) collaboration.

On 11 October 2024, the BRP Andres Bonifacio also opened its doors to the Filipino community in Brunei, allowing them to tour the vessel and interact with members of the Philippine Navy. The heritage tour provided an opportunity for overseas Filipinos to learn more about the Philippine Navy's operations and the capabilities of the BRP Andres Bonifacio, fostering pride and a sense of connection among Filipinos living in Brunei. 

To celebrate the 40 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Brunei, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei hosted a reception onboard BRP Andres Bonifacio on 12 October 2024. The reception was graced by Brigadier General (Retired) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, as Guest of Honor and Brigadier General Edwin E. Amadar PN(M), Commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF) of the Philippine Navy.

Her Excellency Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio, Ambassador of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam, welcomed officials from the Government of Brunei Darussalam, particularly its defense and military establishment, the Heads and members of diplomatic missions, and other distinguished guests. 

In her welcome address, Ambassador Tirol-Ignacio highlighted the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Brunei, founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to regional stability. "Our friendship is built on more than strategic interests - it is founded on mutual respect, shared history and a commitment to peace and prosperity for both our peoples.," she remarked.

The evening’s program featured a ceremonial cake-cutting, the presentation of a memento to the Guest of Honor, Brigadier General (Retired) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, to commemorate the longstanding partnership between the two countries, and Philippine cultural dances and jazz performances by the Philippine Navy and members of the Filipino Community in Brunei.

The Philippines and Brunei continue to build on their four decades of friendship with the 22-year-old MTA Seagull serving as a significant platform for enhancing cooperation, interoperability, and shared maritime security goals in the region. END

Above and Below: Members of the Filipino Community during the ship tour of BRP Andres Bonifacio.

Ambassador Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio delivers the Welcome Remarks.

Ambassador Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio, Brigadier General Edwin E Amadar PN(M), and Brigadier General (Retired) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin and spouse during the cake-cutting ceremony.

Above and Below: Members of the Philippine Navy showcase Pandango sa Ilaw and Manlalatik during the reception.

Arnis exhibition by members of the Philippine Navy. 

For more information, visit https://www.bruneipe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassybrunei.org  or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBrunei/, https://twitter.com/PHinBrunei  or https://www.instagram.com/phinbrunei/ .