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 that began in April.

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.

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.

“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.

“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. 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.”

“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.

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