Philippine Navy bilateral Exercise Lumbas has drawn to a close in Subic Bay with Anzac Class frigate HMAS Anzac taking part during a regional presence deployment.

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The crews of Philippine Navy ship BRP Conrado Yap and Anzac joined for the five-day exercise, which was a valuable opportunity to train together.

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Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Commanding Officer HMAS Anzac, Commander Barton Harrington said Lumbas aimed to build skills through expert exchanges, enhance cooperation and deepen cultural and people-to-people ties.

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“We joined our Philippine Navy counterparts both ashore for the opening and closing ceremonies and at sea, off their coast to conduct a series of training activities in warfare, maritime security and seamanship,” he said.

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“Now in its 23rd iteration, Lumbas is one of the RAN’s longest-running recurring engagements in the region. It is an important and longstanding activity in our bilateral engagement with the Philippines.

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“Australia is committed to working closely with the Philippines to support a region that is stable, secure and prosperous and where the rule of law prevails.

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“I’m proud of the hard work put in by everyone aboard Anzac and it was great to see the engagement between all participants of Lumbas,” Commander Harrington said.

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Australia and the Philippines have agreed to formally elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, with Defence and maritime cooperation as core pillars.

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Anzac commenced the regional presence deployment in April demonstrating Australia’s commitment to and engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.

Issued by Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT