BRP Andres Bonifacio to join maritime training in Malaysia

FILE PHOTO: One of the Philippine Navy (PN)’s most capable warships, the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), will be participating in this year’s Maritime Training Activity (MTA) MALPHI LAUT 20-17 slated Oct. 16-25 at the Kuantan Naval Base in Malaysia. (Photo By Philippine Navy, Public Domain)

MANILA — One of the Philippine Navy (PN)’s most capable warships, the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), will be participating in this year’s Maritime Training Activity (MTA) MALPHI LAUT 20-17 slated Oct. 16-25 at the Kuantan Naval Base in Malaysia.

The ship and her crew, comprised of 200 officers and enlisted personnel, will be departing Pier 13 of the Manila South Harbor on Saturday, Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said Wednesday.

The ship, one of the three ex-Hamilton class cutters acquired by Navy, is capable of speed up to 25 knots and armed with a 76-mm Oto Melara automatic cannon.

Prior to her attendance to MTA MALPHI LAUT, BRP Andres Bonifacio will first proceed to Maura, Brunei Darussalam to participate in the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Sultanate.

Lincuna said departure ceremonies will be presided by PN chief-of-naval staff Rear Admiral Allan Ferdinand V. Cusi.

MTA MALPHI LAUT is an annual bilateral exercise between PN and Royal Malaysian Navy to enhance inter-operability, working relationship and camaraderie through the conduct of coordinated maritime patrol training focusing on common maritime threats and other illegal maritime activities in both countries.