MUARA, TUESDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 – KDB DARUSSALAM safely returned to the Muara Naval Base following a successful overseas deployment to the Republic of the Philippines. The ship participated in Exercise SEAGULL 10/26 and the 23rd ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity (MS JCA), successfully fulfilling its operational and diplomatic objectives during the comprehensive Harbour Phase of the exercises.
The 23rd ADMM-Plus MS JCA, hosted by the Philippine Navy (PN) and co-hosted by the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) in Subic, Zambales, from 20 to 26 September 2026, brought together participants from ASEAN member states and ADMM-Plus partner countries. During the engagements ashore, the personnel of KDB DARUSSALAM participated in a comprehensive range of professional and social activities. Subject-Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) covered key topics including Women, Peace and Security; ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting Guidelines for Maritime Interaction; Senior Enlisted Personnel Leadership; and Marine Environmental Protection. Additionally, the Future Leaders Programme (FLP) provided junior officers with valuable opportunities to exchange professional perspectives and develop networks with their regional and international counterparts.
The RBN contingent also fostered camaraderie and people-to-people ties through sports activities, cultural visits to historical sites in Zambales and Olongapo, and a community engagement programme at the Shepherd of the Hills Centre for Music, Arts and Sports. As part of the bilateral engagements, KDB DARUSSALAM hosted courtesy calls from PN representatives, including the Commanding Officer of BRP MIGUEL MALVAR and the Head of the Ammunition and Explosives Centre, serving to strengthen professional ties and goodwill between the RBN and the PN.
Following the conclusion of the bilateral and multilateral activities, KDB DARUSSALAM, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Haji Abdul Hafiz Mubarak bin Haji Rusli, RBN, departed the Naval Operating Base Subic on 26 September 2026.
Upon arriving in Muara, Captain Mohammad Azrin bin Haji Mahmud, RBN, Deputy Commander of the RBN, was present to welcome KDB DARUSSALAM’s return, alongside other officers, enlisted personnel, and family members of the crew. A Sujud Syukur (prostration of gratitude) was subsequently performed as an expression of gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala for the safe return of the ship and its personnel following the successful completion of their mission.
This deployment underscores the RBN’s continued commitment to defence diplomacy, strengthening regional defence relations, and fostering multilateral maritime cooperation and interoperability with partner navies.
