The Philippine Navy has embarked on a significant journey to participate in the 5th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) 2025, scheduled to take place in Bali, Indonesia from February 16 to 22. A send-off ceremony for the naval contingent was held on February 8 at the Naval Operating Base in Subic Bay, Zambales, marking the beginning of their mission.
The contingent, known as Naval Task Group (NTG) 84, comprises 175 personnel from various units of the Philippine Navy and is led by Captain Malone Agudelo. They will be aboard the offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), commanded by Commander Johanns Cruzada. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe, PN vice commander Brig. Gen. Edwin Amadar, and FMRF deputy commander for fleet operations, Capt. Glenn Dizon, who will also serve as the exercise director for the Philippine contingent.
MNEK 2025 will encompass a variety of activities divided into three categories: Fleet Activity, Maritime Hospitality, and Community Relations. The Fleet Activity will include an International Fleet Review, Subject Matter Expertise Exchange, and Sea Phase. Maritime Hospitality will feature the International Maritime Security Symposium and bilateral meetings. Community Relations activities will involve the Medical Civic Action Program, Baby Turtle Release, Coral Planting, and a Taekwondo Tournament.
This biennial exercise, which attracts 31 navies, aims to foster cooperation among participants, focusing on humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. It also serves to strengthen diplomatic ties and rapport with ASEAN and Indo-Pacific navies through naval diplomacy. The inaugural MNEK was held in 2014 in Batam City, Indonesia.