ZAMBOANGA CITY, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES, THURSDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2026 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), represented by KDB DARUSSALAM, and the Philippine Navy (PN), represented by BRP RAJAH SULAYMAN (PS20), have successfully concluded Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 10/26. The bilateral exercise comprised of the Harbour, Sea, and Closing phases, reinforcing maritime interoperability, professional cooperation, and mutual understanding between the two navies.
The Harbour Phase, held from 13 to 15 September 2026, encompassed official engagements, professional exchanges, and operational preparations. Participants paid courtesy calls to the Acting Commander of Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM), Colonel Ronald M. Virtudazo, PN (Marines), and the Mayor of Zamboanga City, Captain Khymer Adan Taing Olaso. An opening ceremony at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon Officers’ Club formally activated the exercise, featuring remarks from the Exercise Director and Commander of Naval Task Force 61, Captain Dominic M. Tulen, PN, and the Commanding Officer of KDB DARUSSALAM, Lieutenant Commander Haji Abd Hafiz Mubarak bin Haji Rusli, RBN.
During this phase, officers and crew from both navies participated in operational synchronisation sessions and Subject-Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) at the NCWM War Room. These platforms enabled participants to share professional knowledge, coordinate procedures, and review the communication and safety requirements ahead of the sea-based serials.
Alongside the professional exchanges, personnel engaged in reciprocal ship visits, a fellowship dinner, and various sporting interactions, including the SEAGULL Cup. Furthermore, as part of a community relations initiative, KDB DARUSSALAM personnel visited the Holy Trinity Orphanage to conduct a cleaning campaign and present charitable donations.
The Sea Phase took place from 16 to 17 September 2026 in the vicinity of the Basilan Strait. Upon departing the Ensign Majini Pier, KDB DARUSSALAM and BRP RAJAH SULAYMAN executed a series of complex evolutions. These included maritime domain awareness; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations; minefield transit; night steaming in company; and various gunnery and photographic exercises.
Notably, the exercise marked the inaugural participation of the RBN’s Maritime Special Operations Squadron (MARSOS). Five MARSOS personnel embarked on KDB DARUSSALAM, working closely with five PN Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSWU) 6 personnel aboard BRP RAJAH SULAYMAN. Following joint rehearsals and structural exchanges ashore, the specialised units conducted a coordinated Maritime Interdiction Operation and a High-Risk Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) serial on a simulated vessel of interest at sea. This provided an invaluable opportunity to apply their training in a combined maritime environment, practise coordinated interdiction procedures, and enhance interoperability.
Following the Sea Phase, participants reconvened at the NCWM Headquarters for a post-exercise debrief to review achievements and capture lessons for future bilateral training. During the closing ceremony, Captain Dominic M. Tulen, PN, formally deactivated MTA SEAGULL 10/26, and BRP RAJAH SULAYMAN was awarded the SEAGULL Cup by the Acting Commander of NCWM.
The successful and safe completion of MTA SEAGULL 10/26 demonstrates the continued commitment of the RBN and the PN to maritime security, interoperability, and professional cooperation. It further strengthens the longstanding defence relationship and friendship between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of the Philippines, supporting their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.
