Philippine Navy ship departs for Indonesia to join Komodo 2018

The Philippine Navy (PN) has held a send-off ceremony in Manila for its naval warship, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15), that will participate in the 3rd Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2018 (MNEK) off Indonesia.

Overseen by Vice Adm. Robert A. Empedrad, Chief of the Philippine Navy, the ceremony for 300-man contingent took place at South Harbor’s Pier 13 on April 27.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is departing for Mataram City, Lombok Island, Indonesia to participate in the naval drill from May 4 to 9, 2018.

As informed, this is the Philippine Navy’s first international defense and security engagement (IDSE) this year.

The PN contingent is expected to arrive at the Port of Lembar in Indonesia on May 4.

The exercise Komodo 2018 in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, is expected to involve more than 5,500 personnel and 50 warships from 42 countries.