Naval forces from the Philippines, the United States and five ASEAN countries commenced counter-terrorism training on Tuesday at the Malacca Strait, Sulu Sea and Subic Bay.

Philippine Navy Spokesman Colonel Omar Tonsay said the five-day training will involve surface, air and special operations forces of the participating countries. In addition to the United States and the Philippines, participating countries include Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. The United States Navy will deploy its USS Safeguard. The Philippine Navy will deploy 200 personnel, four ships, and an airplane. Singapore will serve as the command and control center of the military exercise.