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Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The Philippine Navy on Tuesday welcomed the visit of <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/15/australian-naval-ship-arrives-in-ph-to-enhance-bilateral-defense-ties-1319">HMAS Toowoomba </a>of the Royal Australian Navy, describing it as a strong demonstration of the enduring partnership between Manila and Canberra, and shared commitment to safeguarding the maritime domain.</p><p>In a statement, the Philippine Navy said the engagement reflected the growing depth of cooperation between the two navies, built on mutual trust, professionalism, and a common purpose.</p><p>“This visit further highlights the sustained momentum of defense engagements between the Philippines and Australia, which reflect our shared strategic interests in maintaining regional stability and maritime security,” the Navy said.</p><p>The visiting ship HMAS Toowoomba is an Anzac-class frigate currently on a “Regional Presence Deployment” in the Indo-Pacific region.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FabscbnNEWS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0qa2dB6BkAc95Ec7Xce4QWaHV76ZNygFPw4DxtmYiG4kUvAkvQZwo35ivfyutEhjxl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="250" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Royal Australian Navy officials said the vessel recently conducted a routine transit through the South China Sea in accordance with international law.</p><p>The officials added that such deployments play a vital role in protecting Australia’s interests, preserving an international rules-based order, enhancing cooperation and relationships with regional partners and allies, and developing capability and interoperability.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/17/chinese-warships-shadow-ph-us-australia-drills-in-west-philippine-sea-0825">Chinese warships shadow PH-US-Australia drills in West Philippine Sea</a></div><p>Participants of the Southeast Asia Maritime Media Visits Program (SEAMMVP), composed of journalists from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, including one from ABS-CBN News, were given a tour of the HMAS Toowoomba during its port visit to Subic Bay, Zambales, allowing them to gain firsthand insight into the capabilities and operations of the vessel.</p><p>The inaugural SEAMMVP, organized by the La Trobe Asia and sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), provides a platform for journalists to deepen their understanding of maritime governance, law and security, and exchange insights on regional maritime issues.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17713080986991771308095277.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Courtesy: MarineTraffic, Tony Martin<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><p>Commander Alicia Harrison, commanding officer of HMAS Toowoomba, said the vessel’s participation in the Regional Presence Deployment underscored Australia’s “steadfast commitment” to a secure, stable and prosperous region.</p><p>“Our mission is built on partnership—working side by side with regional allies and partners to strengthen collective security and uphold international law,” Harrison said.</p><p>“Regional Presence Deployments also provide vital experience for our people, ensuring we can respond to maritime challenges,” she continued.</p><p>For its part, the Philippine Navy said activities during the ship’s visit strengthened interoperability, deepened professional exchanges, and enhanced the overall readiness of forces to address maritime challenges effectively.</p><p>Subject matter expert interactions and engagements also provided both navies with operational insights and experience that could contribute to increased cooperation in future maritime operations, it added.</p><p>“The Philippine Navy remains grateful for Australia’s steadfast support and stands firm with like-minded partners in advancing a secure, stable, and rules-based maritime order in the region. We view this engagement as part of our continuing efforts to build credible defense capabilities, reinforce mutual confidence, and ensure that our maritime domain remains safe and secure for all,” the Navy noted.</p>

<p>The Philippine Navy on Tuesday welcomed the visit of HMAS Toowoomba of the Royal Australian Navy, describing it as a strong demonstration of the enduring partnership between Manila and Canberra, and shared commitment to safeguarding the maritime domain.</p>

The Philippine Navy on Tuesday welcomed the visit of HMAS Toowoomba of the Royal Australian Navy, describing it as a strong demonstration of the enduring partnership between Manila and Canberra, and shared commitment to safeguarding the maritime domain.

PH, Australian navies reaffirm commitment to rules-based order during HMAS Toowoomba visit

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PH, Australian navies reaffirm commitment to rules-based order during HMAS Toowoomba visit

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 17, 2026 01:17 PM PHT

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Updated February 17, 2026 02:02 PM PHT

Read More:

Philippine Navy

Royal Australian Navy

HMAS Toowoomba

South China Sea

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