THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), in coordination with the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), took part in the Philippines–France Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity, concluded the two-day Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the French Navy on Nov. 28, 2025, approximately 16 nautical miles east of Luban Point, Mati, Davao Oriental.
The cooperative engagement, which aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability, and promote mutual understanding between the two naval forces, saw the inclusion of air assets on its final day, according to Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.
Intensified at-sea exercises
The second day of the activity was marked by a series of at-sea serials as the French Navy vessel transited through Philippine archipelagic waters.
The PN vessel BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37), operating under JTF Sinaya, executed complex drills alongside its French counterpart.
Key exercises included:Maneuvering Exercise (MANNEX), Replenishment-at-Sea Approach (RASAP), and Ship Control Approach (SCA).
Air assets boost maritime awareness
A significant addition to the final day’s activities was the participation of air assets from the Philippine Air Force.
A Black Hawk helicopter and the NV392 of JTF Sinaya joined the cooperative activity prior to the execution of the RASAP.
“Moreover, the Philippine Air Force’s Black Hawk and NV392 of JTF Sinaya joined the activity prior to the execution of RASAP, intensifying maritime domain awareness and interoperability,” Lt Commander Reynante Vilela, the Public Affairs Office chief of NFEM.
The successful completion of these exercises officially marked the end of the cooperative engagement between the Philippines and France.
The activity was overseen by Commodore Ireneo D. Battung PN, Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao.
