The Philippine Navy (PN) has made significant strides in the maritime security arena.

Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said this yesterday during the welcome ceremonies for strategic sealift vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and its 300-man contingent at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor.

“This arrival ceremony is but one of the many attestations that we are indeed making headways in our thrust to be globally recognized as a game-player in the maritime security arena,” Empedrad said.

BRP Tarlac and its personnel made history with their successful 1 to 6 October port visit to Vladivostok, Russia and Jeju Island in South Korea last 12 to 16 October.

Also present during the arrival ceremony were Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev, House Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu and other PN senior leaders.

“The successful overseas mission is a manifestation the Navy is steadily improving and modernizing. This is another big leap in enhancing the organization’s core competency to further improve its readiness to engage in multilateral maritime activities and contribute to preserving regional maritime security,” PN spokesman Commander Jonathan Zata said in a statement.