Jonathan Frederic De Santos

HMAS Canberra sails into Sydney Harbour, Australia for the International Fleet Review 2026. Australian Government Department of Defence

Article (news)

Annie Perez

<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/178012399741920260321ran8625149_0128.jpg.iCfi-7SBMn3hj_9jYBMA._OCEOH6ogJ.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">HMAS Canberra sails into Sydney Harbour, Australia for the International Fleet Review 2026. <em>Australian Government Department of Defence</em></span></span></span></div><p>The government of Australia, through its Royal Australian Navy, said that it is strengthening its relationship with the Philippines especially on the 80th year of its bilateral relations.</p><p>Capt. David McPherson, the commanding officer of the RAN&#x27;s  largest ship HMAS Canberra, said that they have been a “friend” to the Philippines. </p><p>They have already conducted multiple joint patrols and exercises with the Philippine Navy alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines.</p><p>“These exercises are what we do that allows us to have a better understanding of how they operate. Human to human interaction is key,” said McPherson.</p><p>The captain also noted how there are many similarities between the security implementation of both countries that are heavily guarding its territorial waters.</p><p>“If you don&#x27;t exercise, It won’t go according to plan. We are friends, if you need help then call a friend. These ships can do it,” said McPherson.</p><p>Just recently, the Australian Navy took part in the Balikatan exercises not just as an observer but as a participant.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/18/australia-sees-ph-as-key-ally-in-indo-pacific-pledges-broader-cooperation-on-security-and-trade-2156">Australia sees PH as &#x27;key ally&#x27; in Indo-Pacific, pledges broader cooperation on security and trade</a></div><p>The captain added that they are ready to aid the country in any dispute as long as its government also sees the same direction.</p><p>This includes the current tensions at the West Philippine Sea, should it escalate.</p><p>The Australian defense department also continues to accommodate members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as international students at their War College.</p><p>One of their students, Col. Eduard Olaso of the Philippine Marines, shares how it is beneficial to them.</p><p>“The aim is to provide strategic development for defense and security nationals,” shared Olaso.</p><p>Once he ends his course in December which includes leadership and war fighting, leadership and management, he will receive a degree equivalent to a Masters in Business Administration.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>ACKNOWLEDGING THE RELATIONSHIP</strong></div><p>Philippine Ambassador Antonio Morales acknowledged the two countries&#x27; relationship, noting that it has been “historic” and “longstanding”.</p><p>“The Philippines is Australia’s strategic partner, especially in security through our military exercises,” said Morales.</p><p>The Philippine Navy also sent one of its ships for review if it is up to standard.</p><p>For Morales, this helps the Philippines maintain an international rules based order.</p><p>“For Freedom of Navigation. Not just in the West Philippine Sea but to uphold the rule of law, the United Nations Convention on the law of the seas,” added Morales, noting that the relationship is “comprehensive” and “strategic”.</p><p>The Australia-Philippines relationship started in 1946, after the second world war. In 2023, it was elevated from a bilateral relationship to strategic partnership.</p><p>A memorandum of understanding on cyber cooperation and maritime security was also signed between both countries under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/23/australia-ph-celebrate-80-years-of-ties-with-quezon-memorial-rites-renewed-push-for-defense-0026">Australia, PH celebrate 80 years of ties with Quezon memorial rites, renewed push for defense</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cY-w3Cqy9R8?si=k3Um_Dmc3vSr5Nvr" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>The Government of Australia, through its Royal Australian Navy, said that it is strengthening its relationship with the Philippines especially on the 80th year of its bilateral relations.</p>

The Government of Australia, through its Royal Australian Navy, said that it is strengthening its relationship with the Philippines especially on the 80th year of its bilateral relations.

Australia to help Philippines in maritime defense, celebrates 80 years of partnership

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Australia to help Philippines in maritime defense, celebrates 80 years of partnership

Annie Perez

Published May 30, 2026 02:57 PM PHT

|

Updated May 30, 2026 03:00 PM PHT

Read More:

Australia

Philippines

bilateral relations

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.