The Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL, a bilateral exercise between the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), officially concluded at Muara Naval Base in Brunei Darussalam.
The Sea Phase, held from October 9 to 10, was the centerpiece of the exercise, during which both navies showcased their advanced operational capabilities through a series of critical at-sea serials designed to enhance combined readiness and collaboration.
Serials conducted during the Sea Phase included MINTRANEX (Mine Transit Exercise), which tested the ability to navigate through mine-infested waters.
MANEX (Maneuvering Exercise) and SCREENEX (Screening Exercise) emphasized complex ship formations and protective tactics. PLOTTEX (Plotting Exercise) sharpened operational decision-making and navigation, while SURFEX (Surface Exercise) and GUNNEX (Gunnery Exercise) focused on the precision engagement of surface threats.
Additionally, combined Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations conducted by Navy SEAL teams from both navies reinforced their capacity to counter piracy, smuggling, and other illicit activities, thereby enhancing maritime security—a priority for maintaining stability in vital sea lanes.
The RBN Fleet Commander, Capt. Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal, emphasized the importance of the recently concluded combined training.
“With this Exercise SEAGULL, I hope that we learn valuable knowledge and training that will allow us to maintain our operational readiness through the constant conduct of exercises together as one,” he stated.
The closing ceremony also featured the signing of the MTA SEAGULL 09-2024 Exercise Report by LCDR MD Zuyamin Bin MD Noor RBN and CDR Renante Del Prado PN(GSC), Commanding Officers of KD Darulehsan 07 and BRP Andres Bonifacio PS17, respectively.
The Philippine Navy was awarded the SEAGULL CUP, with the Commanding Officer of PS17 accepting the trophy after their victory in a friendly sports competition held on October 8, 2024. This competition included futsal, volleyball, and tug-of-war.
