Philippine, Brunei Navies Strengthen Maritime Cooperation through MTA SEAGULL 10-2026

22 September 2026

KD Rajah Sulayman PS-20 (photo: PN)

ZAMBOANGA CITY— The Philippine Navy (PN) and Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) are strengthening their ability to operate together at sea as they conduct Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 10-2026 in Western Mindanao, reinforcing a defense partnership built on interoperability, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to maritime security.

The activity formally opened on 14 September 2026, following the arrival of the Royal Brunei Navy’s KD DARUSSALAM 06 at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon on 13 September.

Running from 13 to 17 September 2026, MTA SEAGULL places personnel and vessels from both navies in realistic maritime scenarios requiring coordinated planning, communication, and action. More than a demonstration of naval capabilities, the activity strengthens the ability of both forces to work together effectively in addressing shared maritime security challenges.

KD Daeussalam 06 (photo: PN)

This year marks the 10th iteration of the biennial bilateral activity. The previous iteration was hosted by Brunei Darussalam, continuing a long-standing cycle of combined training that has steadily strengthened professional ties and operational cooperation between the two navies.

The participation of KD DARUSSALAM 06 and BRP RAJAH SULAYMAN (PS-20) provides both navies an opportunity to undertake more complex and realistic at-sea training, translating years of bilateral engagement into practical interoperability in the maritime domain.

Significantly, MTA SEAGULL 10-2026 is being conducted while the Philippine Navy continues its operational commitments in Western Mindanao, including maritime security support for the 14 September 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election. The simultaneous conduct of these missions demonstrates the Philippine Navy’s capacity to sustain operational readiness and fulfill its maritime security responsibilities while continuing important bilateral defense engagements.

As the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam navigate an increasingly complex maritime security environment, MTA SEAGULL 10-2026 demonstrates how sustained engagement, combined training, and professional exchanges can translate longstanding friendship into effective cooperation at sea.

The activity ultimately reinforces the enduring defense relationship between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam and affirms the shared commitment of both navies to remain capable, interoperable, and ready to contribute to peace, security, and stability in the region.

(Philippines Navy)