REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, Monday, 8 June 2015 – The Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, First Admiral Pg Norazmi bin Pg Muhammad and spouse, Pg Noralam binti Pg Kahar and delegation made a two-day introductory visit to the Republic of Philippines from 8 – 9 June 2015.
During the Introductory Visit, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) had made separate Courtesy Calls to Honorable Pio Lorenzo F Batino, the Under Secretary of Defense (USEC) for Defense Policy and Lieutenant General John S Bonafos, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP).
Prior to making the respective Courtesy Calls, the RBN Commander conducted the wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Manila, paying respect for the national hero, Dr Jose Rizal.
Later that morning at the Philippine Navy Headquarters, the RBN Commander was accorded with a Guard of Honor and warmly received by the Flag Officer In Command Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Jesus C Milan. The two Chief of Navies held cordial discussions on furthering bilateral cooperation and interactions between both navies.
RBN Commander was presented the”Flag Rank Command Badge” by Vice Admiral Jesus C. Milan as in honour of his visit. Mementos were also exchanged to mark the occasion, symbolizing the goodwill of the two friendly forces. The Commander RBN had the opportunity to understand more on the Philippine Navy’s Roles and Development during a short briefing on the organisation and future plans of the Philippine Navy.
Later in the evening, First Admiral Pg Norazmi and Spouse attended a dinner hosted by the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy and spouse with all the Flag Rank officers of the Naval Command.
First Admiral Pg Norazmi took over as the new RBN Commander earlier this year and this visit aims to further reaffirm the long-standing friendship and close professional ties between the two navies.
The Royal Brunei Navy and the Philippine Navy has strong defence cooperation through a wide range of interaction and activities such as the biennial bilateral exercise with the codename “EXERCISE SEAGULL”, this exercise has evolved in terms of benefits for the two navies from a mere interaction to an elevated platform to share best practices in naval evolutions and interoperability. The cooperation and interactions did not stop at the bilateral exercise but also expands at the level of multilateral exercises, regular visits and exchange programmes.
