A British Navy vessel, His Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Spey, has made a return visit to the Philippines, deepening the defense engagements between British and Filipino troops and reassuring the country of the British maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit comes after the vessel’s participation in Exercise SAMA-SAMA, a bilateral exercise organized by the United States Navy (USN) and the Philippine Navy (PN) that aimed to strengthen international defense cooperation and promote a rules-based international order.
During his visit to the National Headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Manila, the commanding officer of HMS Spey, Commander Paul Caddy, met with Chief of Coast Guard Staff Rear Adm. Hostillo Arturo Cornelio. The discussion revolved around the request for a diplomatic clearance for the Royal Navy ship, a batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel, to enter Philippine waters.
HMS Spey docked at the Port of Manila, providing its crew with the opportunity to foster goodwill, interaction, and interoperability with their Filipino counterparts. The activities included a shipboard tour, friendly games, and a passing exercise. These interactions aim to strengthen the bond between the two navies and build relationships that were forged through previous exercises.
As part of the visit, Commander Caddy and his delegation paid a courtesy call at the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters, where they were received by Chief of Fleet Staff, Capt. Lued Lincuna. The visit of HMS Spey further enhances the maritime cooperation between the two navies, reaffirming their commitment to sustain collaboration and strengthen ties that are vital to the conduct of future bilateral training activities.
The Royal Navy’s support and engagement with the Philippines have been highly valued. The Department of National Defense and the UK Ministry of Defense recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation. This MoU aims to provide a framework to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, including defense, military education, training and capacity building, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, armaments and military equipment, and research and technology.
The visit of HMS Spey and the signing of the MoU highlight the commitment of both nations to strengthen their defense ties and promote regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region. These engagements serve as a testament to the shared values and common interests that the British and Filipino troops uphold.
In conclusion, the return visit of HMS Spey to the Philippines signifies the deepening defense engagements between the British and Filipino troops. It not only reassures the country of the British maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific region but also strengthens the bond between the two navies. The interactions and discussions during the visit further enhance the maritime cooperation and emphasize the commitment of both nations to sustain collaboration and strengthen ties. The signing of the MoU on defense cooperation provides a framework for future bilateral activities, ensuring a continued partnership in various fields. These engagements contribute to regional stability and promote a rules-based international order.
Source: The Manila Times
