More than 100 soldiers in Filipino and Australian naval forces on October 15 ran a disaster response drill in Subic Bay, northwest of Manila, the Philippines to deepen security ties in a region prone to disasters, piracy and territorial rifts.
Lt. Col. Daniel Turner of the Australian Defence Force said the naval maneuvers will strengthen the two countries' ability to respond to typhoons and other disasters.
When typhoons and floods occur, traditional infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and ports is damaged, with the only way to get to the affected area often requiring helicopters and landing craft, he said.
Previously, the HMAS Adelaide carrier and the HMAS Darwin ships of Australia landed at Manila port on October 10 during their five-day visit, showing Australia’s commitment to ensuring regional security and stability.
These ships, part of the Australian Defence Fleet joined the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2017.
In 2007, Australia signed an accord that allows its forces to train in the Philippines.
Australia is the only country aside from the United States with which Manila has forged such a defence pact, known as a status of forces agreement. -VNA
Philippines, Australian forces stage sea drill as ties deepen
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