Davao city: Filipino and Indonesian naval and air units conducted the first leg of the "Coordinated Patrol" (CORPAT) PHILINDO-40-2026 along the Philippine-Indonesia maritime borders on Wednesday. In a statement on Thursday, the Philippine Navy (PN) said the exercise was held using the naval assets from Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, the Indonesian Navy, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). According to Philippines News Agency, for the PN, patrol vessel BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) was deployed along Beechcraft King Air C-90 (NV-392), while the Indonesian Navy sent the offshore patrol vessel KRI Selar (879). Meanwhile, the PCG's multi-role response vessel, BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401), also took part in the naval drills. "The coordinated patrol is a quarterly bilateral activity between the Philippines and Indonesia aimed at enhancing maritime security, strengthening operational coordination, and preventing illegal activities within the shared maritime boundaries of the two nations," the PN said. It also highlig hts the continuing commitment of the PN, Indonesian Navy, and PCG to safeguard their maritime borders, enhance mutual understanding, and promote peace, stability, and security in the region. "During the CORPAT, participating units carried out several at-sea serials designed to improve communication, coordination, and interoperability between the maritime forces of both countries. These included communication exercise, semaphore exercise, replenishment at sea approach, and maneuvering exercises. These activities allowed participating vessels and aircraft to practice tactical maneuvers and communication procedures essential for effective maritime operations," the PN said. It also said that through these naval drills, the Philippines and Indonesia reaffirmed their shared responsibility for maintaining safe and secure seas while strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two maritime forces.