The Philippine Navy (PN) delegates troops to participate in the 3rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Multilateral Naval Exercise, or AMNEX, from August 15 to 22, at Penang Island, Malaysia, alongside the ASEAN Fleet Review.
The PN, particularly the Naval Task Group 80.5 aboard BRP Antonio Luna (FF151), will join the activity hosted by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), with a theme “Camaraderie and Coaction”.
According to Captain John Percie Alcos, Spokesperson of PN, the aim of these exercises is to strengthen ASEAN navies’ cooperation and collaboration through harbor events and at-sea exercises that address maritime security challenges.
The PN will also participate in the 25th Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Malphi Laut 2025 from August 25 to 29. This activity aims to boost interoperability through joint planning, navigation, and tactical engagement of two close naval forces.
Moreover, Malaysia is included in having claims in the South China Sea, part of which the Permanent Court of Arbitration has ruled in favor of the Philippines, affirming the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) rights in the area.
Malaysia and the Philippines also have a dispute over the ownership of Sabah, historically known as Northern Borneo, a matter that was referred to the United Nations in 2020. However, the discourse remains unresolved to this day.
Despite the disputes, the two countries will train together, along with other countries in the Southeast Asian region.
