Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) announced Sunday night that one of its patrol vessels, BRP Alberto Navarette (PC-394), conducted a maritime patrol along the northeastern coast of Mindanao from Jan. 2 to 3. In a statement, the PN said BRP Alberto Navarette, under the operational control of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, patrolled the vicinity of Butuan Bay, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Island, Socorro Island, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, and nearby approaches.

According to Philippines News Agency, the maritime patrol was conducted in support of ongoing security operations to safeguard the Eastern Mindanao seaboard and ensure the safety and security of vital sea lanes within the area of responsibility. The operation focused on enhancing maritime domain awareness, sustaining naval presence, and monitoring maritime activities in key coastal and offshore areas.

The PN stated that the patrol was carried out to secure the Eastern Mindanao seaboard, a strategically significant maritime corridor linking the Pacific seaboard to internal waters and supporting economic activities such as fishing, trade, and inter-island transport. The statement emphasized that sustained maritime patrols are crucial to deter illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime security threats that may undermine regional stability.

The operation demonstrated the PN's commitment to maintaining peace, security, and a government presence in the maritime domain. It further underscored the PN's continued resolve to protect national interests and uphold maritime security along the Eastern Mindanao seaboard.