Davao city: The Philippine Navy (PN) announced on Monday that one of its patrol ships, the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), carried out maritime patrol (MARPAT) operations on April 26 as part of its mission to secure the southeastern waters of Mindanao.

According to Philippines News Agency, the operation encompassed a wide area including Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and extended to Balut and Sarangani Islands, as well as the Municipality of Sarangani. The patrol also covered the MAKIMA area in Sarangani Province, stretching southward to the Philippines-Indonesia International Maritime Boundary Limits. The BRP Artemio Ricarte was under the operational control of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM).

The PN emphasized that the operation's objectives included ensuring maritime security, upholding national sovereignty, and maintaining a naval presence in the region's waters. Additionally, it aimed to deter illegal activities at sea and promote safe navigation within the operational area. The NFEM remains dedicated to safeguarding the nation's maritime domain and supporting peace and stability in Eastern Mindanao.